OLIVER  CROMWELL 

APlay 

BY  John  Drinkwater 

^Author  of 

ABRAHAM  LINCOLN 
and  MARY  STUART 


THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


OLIVER 
CROMWELL 

A  Play 


BY 


JOHN  DRINKWATER 


BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK 

HOUGHTON  MIFFLIN  COMPANY 
1921 


COPYRIGHT,   1921,  BY  HOUGHTON   MIFFLIN  COMPANY 

DRAMATIC  RIGHTS  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES 
CONTROLLED  BY  WILLIAM  HARK  IS,  JR. 


CAUTION 

ALL  dramatic  rights  for  John  Drinkwater's  Oliver  Cromwell 
in  North  America  are  owned  and  controlled  by  William 
Harris,  Jr.,  Hudson  Theatre,  New  York  City.  Special  no- 
tice should  be  taken  that  possession  of  this  book  without  a 
valid  contract  for  production  first  having  been  obtained  from 
Mr.  Harris  confers  no  right  or  license  to  professionals  or 
amateurs  to  produce  the  play  publicly  or  in  private  for  gain 
or  charity.  Until  further  notice  performances  of  this  play 
in  North  America  will  be  limited  to  those  companies  which 
appear  under  Mr.  Harris's  direction,  and  he  absolutely  for- 
bids other  performances  by  professionals  or  amateurs,  in- 
cluding "readings,"  tableaux,  and  anything  of  such  nature 
approximating  a  performance.  The  play  is  fully  protected 
by  copyright  and  any  violations  will  be  prosecuted. 

ACT  OF  MARCH  4,  1909:  SECTION  28 

"  That  any  person  who  wilfully  or  for  profit  shall  infringe  any 
copyright  secured  by  this  act,  or  who  shall  knowingly  and  wil- 
fully aid  or  abet  such  infringement  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a 
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imprisonment  for  not  exceeding  one  year,  or  by  a  fine  of  not 
less  than  $100  nor  more  than  $1000,  or  both,  in  the  discretion 
of  the  Court" 

PRINTED  IN  THE  UNITED  STATES   OF  AMERICA 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


944130 


THE  CHARACTERS  ARE 

MRS.  CROMWELL,  Oliver's  mother 
ELIZABETH  CROMWELL,  his  wife 
BRIDGET  CROMWELL,  his  daughter 
JOHN  HAMPDEN 
HENRY  IRETON 
OLIVER  CROMWELL 
SETH  TANNER 

Two  AGENTS  TO  THE  EARL  OF  BEDFORD 
AMOS  TANNER 
A  MEMBER  OF  PARLIAMENT 
THE  SPEAKER  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  COMMONS 
BASSETT,  an  officer  of  the  House 
THE  MAYOR  OF  ELY 
GENERAL  FAIRFAX 
COLONEL  STAINES 
COLONEL  PEMBERTON 
A  SCOUT   . 
A  SURGEON 
AN  AIDE 

NEAL,  Secretary  to  Charles 
CHARLES  I 
Farm  labourers  —  Members  of  Parliament 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 

SCENE  I 

CROMWELL'S  house  at  Ely,  about  the  year  1639. 
An  early  summer  evening.  The  window  of 
the  room  opens  on  to  a  smooth  lawn,  used 
for  bowling,  and  a  garden  full  of  flowers. 

OLIVER'S  wife,  ELIZABETH  CROMWELL,  is  sit- 
ting at  the  table,  sewing.  In  a  chair  by  the 
open  window  MRS.  CROMWELL,  his  mother, 
is  reading.  She  is  eighty  years  of  age. 

Mrs.  Cromwell  .'Oliver  troubles  me,  persuad- 
ing everywhere.  Restless  like  this. 

Elizabeth:  He  says  that  the  time  is  uneasy, 
and  that  we  are  part  of  it. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  There's  a  man's  house.  It's 
enough  surely. 

Elizabeth:  I  know.  But  Oliver  must  be 
doing.  You  know  how  when  he  took  the 
magistracy  he  would  listen  to  none  of  us. 
He  knows  best. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  What  time  is  John  coming? 

Elizabeth:  By  nightfall  he  said.  Henry 
Ireton  is  coming  with  him. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


Mrs.  Cromwell:  John  Hampden  is  like  that, 
too.  He  excites  the  boy. 

Elizabeth:  Yes,  but  mother,  you  will  do 
nothing  with  Oliver  by  thinking  of  him  as  a 
boy. 

Mr s.  Cromwell:  Of  course  he's  a  boy. 

Elizabeth:  He's  forty. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Methuselah. 

Elizabeth:  What? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  said  Methuselah. 

Elizabeth:  He  says  John's  the  bravest  man 
in  England. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Just  because  he  won't  pay 
a  tax.  How  if  everybody  refused  to  pay 
taxes?  If  you  don't  have  taxes,  I  don't  see 
how  you  are  to  have  a  government.  Though 
I  can't  see  that  it  governs  anybody,  except 
those  that  don't  need  it. 

Elizabeth:  Oliver  says  it's  a  wrong  tax,  this 
ship  money. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  There's  always  something 
wrong.  It  keeps  men  busy,  I  suppose. 

Elizabeth:  But  it  was  brave  of  John. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  know,  I  know.  But  why 
must  he  come  here  to-night  of  all  in  the  year? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


Oliver's  like  somebody  out  of  the  Bible  about 
to-morrow  as  it  is.  This  will  make  him  worse. 
I  wish  John  no  harm,  but  —  well,  I  hope  he's 
got  a  bad  horse. 

Elizabeth:  Oliver's  mind  is  made  up  about 
the  common,  whatever  happens.  John  will 
make  no  difference. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  You  can't  pretend  he'll 
make  him  more  temperate. 

Elizabeth:  It's  very  wrong  to  take  away  the 
common  from  the  people.  I  think  Oliver  is 
right. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Of  course  he's  right.     But 

Fm    too  old.    I've   seen   too   many  broken 

heads.   He'll  be  no  righter  for  a  broken  head. 

(BRIDGET  CROMWELL,  a  girl,  comes  in. 

She  takes  some  eggs  from  her  apron  and 

puts  them  on  a  dish  on  a  shelf.} 

Bridget:  Why,  grandmother,  whose  head 
is  to  be  broken? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Your  father  s  is  like  to  be. 

Bridget:  You  mean  to-morrow? 

Elizabeth:  At  the  meeting,  yes. 

Bridget:  But  he  must  do  it.  Why,  the 
people  have  fished  and  kept  cattle  there 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


longer  than  any  one  can  remember.  Who 
is  an  Earl  of  Bedford  to  take  it  away  from 
them  ?  I  know  I  would  let  my  head  be  broken 
first. 

Elizabeth:  It  is  said  that  the  King  gave 
leave. 

Bridget:  Then  the  King  gave  what  wasn't 
his  to  give. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Now,  child,  don't  you  en- 
courage your  father,  too.  He's  eager  enough 
without  that. 

Bridget:  But  I  must,  grandmother.  There's 
too  much  of  this  kind  of  interference  every- 
where. Father  says  that  Cousin  John  Hamp- 
den  says  — 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  And  that's  three  of  you  in 
one  house.  And  this  young  Mr.  Ireton  has 
ideas,  too,  I  believe. 

Bridget:  Mr.  Ireton  is  twenty-eight. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  That  accounts  for  it. 

Bridget:  You  don't  think  they  just  ought 
to  be  allowed  to  take  the  common  away,  do 
you,  grandmother? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  It  makes  no  matter  what 
I  think. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


Bridget:  Of  course  you  don't.  None  of  us 
do.  We  couldn't. 

Elizabeth:  You  mustn't  tease  your  grand- 
mother, Bridget. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  She's  a  very  old  lady,  and 
can't  speak  for  herself. 

Bridget:  I  meant  no  ill  manners,  grand- 
mother. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Never  mind  your  manners 
child.  But  don't  encourage  your  father.  He 
doesn't  need  it.  This  house  is  all  commotion 
as  it  is. 

Bridget:  I  can't  help  it.  There's  so  much 
going  on  everywhere.  The  King  doesn't  deal 
fairly  by  people,  I'm  sure.  Men  like  father 
must  say  it. 

Elizabeth:  Have  you  put  the  lavender  in 
the  rooms? 

Bridget:  No.   I'll  take  it  now. 

(She  takes  a  tray  from  the  window  and 
goes  out.) 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  don't  know  what  will 
happen.  I  sometimes  think  the  world  isn't 
worth  quarrelling  about  at  all.  And  yet  I'm 
a  silly  old  woman  to  talk  like  that.  But 


8  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Oliver  is  a  brave  fellow  —  and  John,  all  of 
them.  I  want  them  to  be  brave  in  peace — 
that's  the  way  you  think  at  eighty.  (Read- 
ing.) This  Mr.  Donne  is  a  very  good  poet, 
but  he's  rather  hard  to  understand.  I  suppose 
that  is  being  eighty,  too.  Mr.  Herrick  is  very 
simple.  John  Hampden  sent  me  some  copies 
from  a  friend  who  knows  Mr.  Herrick.  I 
like  them  better  than  John  does. 

(She  takes  up  a  manuscript  book  and  reads:) 
Lord,  Thou  hast  given  me  a  cell 

Wherein  to  dwell; 
A  little  house,  whose  humble  roof 

Is  waterproof; 
Under  the  spars  of  which  I  lie 

Both  soft  and  dry . . . 

But  Mr.  Shakespeare  was  best  of  all,  I  do 
believe.  A  very  civil  gentleman,  too.  I  spoke 
to  him  once  —  that  was  forty  years  ago,  the 
year  Oliver  was  born,  I  remember.  He 
didn't  hold  with  all  this  talk  against  kings. 

Elizabeth:  There  are  kings  and  kings. 
Oliver  finds  no  offence  in  kings  —  it's  in  a 
king. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Well,  it's  all  very  danger- 


OLIVER  CROMWELL 


ous,  and  I'm  too  old  for  it.  Not  but  what 
Oliver's  brain  is  better  than  mine.  But  we 
have  to  sit  still  and  watch.  However 
(reading)  — 

Lord,  'tis  thy  plenty-dropping  hand 

That  sows  my  land : 
All  this,  and  better,  dost  thou  send 

Me  for  this  end : 
That  I  should  render  for  my  part' 

A  thankful  heart, 
Which,  fired  with  incense,  I  resign 

As  wholly  Thine: 
But  the  acceptance  —  that  must  be, 

O  Lord,  by  Thee. 

Mr.  Herrick  has  chosen  a  nice  name  for  his 
book.  Hesperides.  He  has  taste  as  well  as 
understanding. 

( The  sound  of  horsemen  arriving  is  heard.} 
Elizabeth:    That  will   be    John   and    Mr. 
I  re  ton. 

(She  looks  from  the  window,  puts  her  work 

into  a  box,  and  goes  out.} 
Mrs.  Cromwell  (turning  her  pages) : 
Ye  have  been  fresh  and  green, 
Ye  have  been  filled  with  flowers, 


io  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

And  ye  the  walks  have  been 

Where  maids  have  spent  their  hours. 

Like  unthrifts,  having  spent 
Your  stock,  and  needy  grown, 

You're  left  here  to  lament 
Your  poor  estates  alone. 

(ELIZABETH     comes     back    with     JOHN 
HAMPDEN,  aged  forty-four,  and  HENRY 
IRETON,  twenty-eight.    They  both  shake 
hands  with  MRS.  CROMWELL.) 
Hampden:  How  do  you  do,  ma'am? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Well,  John. 
Ireton:  Good-evening,  ma'am. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  You're    welcome,    Master 
Ireton,  I'm  sure.    If  you  behave  yourself, 
young  man. 

Ireton:  How  may  that  be,  ma'am? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  No,   don't  ask  me.    Only 
don't  you  and  John  come  putting  more  no- 
tions into  Oliver's  head.    I'm  sure  he's  got 
more  than  he  can  rightly  manage  as  it  is. 

Hampden:  We  were  told  down  there  that 
it's  to-morrow  that  my  Lord  of  Bedford  and 
his  like  are  to  claim  the  common  rights. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  i  i 

Elizabeth:  Yes. 

Ireton:  Mr.  Cromwell  is  to  resist,  they  said. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Now,  young  man,  Oliver 
doesn't  need  any  urging  to  it.  He  needs  hold- 
ing back. 

Hampden:  But  that's  fine  for  Oliver.  Every 
man  must  speak  to-day  —  and  do  as  well,  if 
it  comes  to  it. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  but  don't  be  so  proud 
about  it,  John. 

Elizabeth:  I  think  they  should  be  proud. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Remember  what  Mr.  Her- 
bert says  — 

A  servant  with  this  clause 
Makes  drudgerie  divine. 
Who  sweeps  a  room,  as  for  thy  laws, 

Makes  that  and  th*  action  fine. 
As  for  thy  laws,  remember. 

Hampden:  Surely,  we  shall  remember  that 
always. 

(BRIDGET  comes  in.) 
Bridget:  Cousin  John. 
Hampden:  Well,  Bridget,  my  girl. 

(He  kisses  her.) 
Bridget:  How  do  you  do,  Mr.  Ireton? 


12  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Ireton  (shaking  hands) :  Well,  I  thank  you, 
mistress. 

Bridget:  Does  father  know,  mother  ? 

Elizabeth:  I've  sent  down  to  the  field. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  He'll  be  here  soon  enough. 
I'm  sorry  the  judges  were  against  you,  John. 
I  don't  know  what  else  you  could  expect, 
though.  They  are  the  King's  judges,  I  suppose. 

Hampdtn:  That's  what  we  dispute,  ma'am. 
The  King  says  that  they  should  serve  him.  We 
say  that  they  should  serve  the  laws. 

Ireton:  It  was  just  when  Mr.  Hampden  was 
being  heard.  The  law  they  said  was  the  King's 
old  and  loyal  servant:  that  lex  was  not  rex,  but 
that  none  could  gainsay  that  rex  was  lex. 

Hampden:  That's  what  we  shall  have  to  de- 
cide, and  before  long,  I  think. 

Bridget:  Father  says  that. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  This  house  is  ready  for  any 
kind  of  revolution,  John. 

Ireton:  But  you  find  it  everywhere,  ma'am. 
All  along  the  countryside,  in  the  markets,  in 
the  church  porches  —  everywhere. 

Elizabeth:  Is  the  vine  doing  well  this  year, 
John?, 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  13 

Hampden:  It's  the  best  year  I  remember. 

Elizabeth:  Ours,  too. 

Bridget:  Were  you  there,  Mr.  Ireton,  when 
Cousin  John's  case  was  tried  ? 

Ireton:  Yes. 

Bridget:  It  was  splendid,  wasn't  it  —  al- 
though he  lost,  I  mean? 

Ireton:  It  was  the  note  of  deliverance. 

Bridget:  I  wish  I  could  have  been  there, 
Cousin  John. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Will  you  give  me  my  shawl, 
Henry  Ireton.  (He  does  so.)  There's  Oliver 
coming.  Now  you  can  all  be  thunder. 

Bridget:  Now,  grandmother,  you  know  you 
don't  think  it's  just  that. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  So  you  have  hope  for  me 
yet,  miss? 

Bridget:  Grandmother. 

(CROMWELL  comes  in.     Pie  is  in  plain 
country  dress.   His  age  is  forty.} 

Cromwell:  John  —  it's  good  to  see  you. 
You're  an  hour  before  reckoning.  (Taking 
HAMPDEN'S  hand.) 

Hampden:  Yes,  Oliver.    Is  all  well  ? 

Cromwell:  Not  that  —  but  our  courage  is 


14  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

well  enough.  You  are  very  welcome,  Henry. 
(Taking  his  hand.)  Was  it  good  travelling? 

Ireton:  Not  a  bad  mile  on  the  journey. 

Bridget:  Father,  Mr.  Ireton  heard  Cousin 
John's  case  tried.  Wasn't  he  lucky? 

Cromwell:  Whoever  heard  that  heard  his- 
tory being  made,  John.  It  was  a  great  ex- 
ample to  set. 

Hampden:  One  works  from  the  spirit,  Oliver. 

Cromwell:  That's  what  we  must  do.  You've 
heard  about  this  affair  down  here? 

Hampden:  The  common?  Yes. 

Cromwell:  There's  to  be  no  yielding  about 
that. 

Hampden:  I'm  glad  of  it,  Oliver. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  What  will  it  all  come  to, 
John? 

Cromwell:  There  are  times,  mother,  when 
we  may  not  count  the  cost. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  You're  very  vexatious 
sometimes,  Oliver. 

Cromwell:  But  you  know  I'm  right  in  this, 
mother. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Being  right  doesn't  make 
you  less  vexatious. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  15 

Elizabeth:  Have  they  finished  in  Long  Close  ? 

Cromwell:  Yes.  They  will  be  here  soon. 

Bridget:  They  all  come  up  from  the  field 
for  prayers,  Mr.  Ireton,  at  the  day's  end. 

Hampden:  Is  your  hay  good,  Oliver? 

Cromwell:  I  haven't  much  down  this  year. 
What  there  is,  is  good. 

Hampden:  We  got  the  floods  too  late.  But 
it  has  mended  well  enough. 

Bridget:  The  dancers  came  for  some  money, 
father. 

Elizabeth:  Shall  I  give  them  something? 

Cromwell:  To  be  sure. 

Elizabeth:  How  much? 

Cromwell:  Oh  —  a  crown  or  two. 

Hampden:  Dancers? 

Cromwell:  Aye,  John.  Don't  you  hold  with 
them? 

Hampden:  They're  no  offence,  perhaps  — 
but  I'm  never  quite  sure. 

Cromwell:  Oh,  but  be  sure,  John.  We  must 
make  no  mistake  about  that.  They  are 
lovely,  the  dancers.  I'm  all  for  singing  and 
dancing.  The  Lord  is  one  to  sing  and  dance, 
I'll  be  bound. 


1 6  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Now  you  talk  sense,  Oliver. 
Mr.  Herrick  is  very  dear  about  that.  So  was 
David. 

Ireton:  Who  is  Mr.  Herrick,  ma'am? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  He's  a  poet,  young  man. 
And  he's  for  being  quiet,  and  not  bus- 
tling about  everywhere.  You  ought  to  read 
him. 

Ireton:  Do  you  know  Mr.  Herrick's  work, 
Mr.  Hampden? 

Hampden:  I've  nothing  to  say  against  that, 
though  it's  not  very  serious. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Don't  be  silly,  Mr.  Hamp- 
den —  if  you  excuse  me  for  saying  so.  Mr. 
Herrick  is  very  serious  indeed,  only  he  isn't 
always  telling  us  of  it. 

Hampden:  Yes:  perhaps  you're  right, 
ma'am.  I  prefer  George  Herbert. 

Bridget:  Yes,  I  like  his  book,  too,  Cousin 
John. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Well,  it's  no  bad  judgment 
to  stand  for  Mr.  Herbert.  Only  I  won't  have 
nonsense  talked  about  Mr.  Herrick. 

Elizabeth:  Are  you  ready,  Oliver?  They 
are  coming. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  17 

Oliver:  Yes.  (To  HAMPDEN  and  IRETON.) 
Friends,  you  are  welcome  to  this  house. 

(  The  labourers  from  the  farm  are  gathering 
outside  the  window.  The  people  in  the 
room  form  towards  them.} 

Cromwell:  Brethren  in  God,  at  the  end  of 
another  day's  labour  we  are  met  to  praise 
Him  from  whom  are  the  means  to  labour  and 
its  rewards.  As  we  go  about  these  fields,  He  is 
with  us.  As  you  deal  by  me,  and  I  by  you, 
His  eye  sees  us.  Nothing  good  befalls  us  but 
it  is  by  His  will,  no  affliction  is  ours  but  His 
loving  mercy  will  hear  us.  The  Lord  God 
walks  at  our  hand.  He  is  here  now  in  our 
midst.  His  desires  are  our  freedom,  His 
wrath  our  tyranny  one  over  another.  Be  very 
merciful  in  all  your  ways,  for  mercy  is  His 
name.  May  His  counsel  be  always  with  our 
little  fellowship.  If  I  should  fail  towards  any 
man,  let  him  speak.  May  we  be  as  brothers 
always,  one  to  another.  And  may  we  serve 
Him  to  serve  whom  alone  is  wisdom.  In 
Jesus  Christ's  name,  Amen.  "  All  people 
that  on  earth  do  dwell." 


i  8  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

(They  sing:) 
All  people  that  on  earth  do  dwell, 

Sing  to  the  Lord,  with  cheerful  voice; 
Him  serve  with  fear,  his  praise  forth  tell, 

Come  ye  before  Him  and  rejoice. 

The  Lord,  we  know,  is  God  indeed. 

Without  our  aid  He  did  us  make; 
We  are  his  folk,  He  doth  us  feed, 

And  for  his  sheep  He  doth  us  take. 

O  enter  then  his  gate  with  praise, 
Approach  with  joy  his  courts  unto; 

Praise,  laud,  and  bless  his  name  always, 
For  it  is  seemly  so  to  do. 

(As  the  men  move  away,  one  of  themy 
SETH  TANNER,  comes  forward.) 

Seth:  As  I  came  up  from  Long  Close  I 
stopped  at  the  ale-house.  Two  fellows  were 
there  from  the  Earl  of  Bedford.  Talking  they 
were. 

Cromwell:  What  had  they  to  say? 

Seth:  It  seems  they  know  you  are  going  to 
stand  out  for  the  people  to-morrow. 

Cromwell:  Well? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  19 

Seth:  Treason,  they  call  it. 

Cromwell:  Treason. 

Seth:  Seeing  that  my  Lord  of  Bedford  has 
the  King's  authority,  as  it  were. 

Cromwell:  Thank  you,  Seth. 

Seth:  They  were  coming  here,  they  said. 
To  warn  you,  and  persuade  you  against  it  if 
it  might  be. 

Cromwell:  Thank  you,  Seth. 

Seth  (to  HAMPDEN)  :  If  I  might  be  so  bold, 
sir? 

Hampden:  What,  my  friend? 

Seth:  That  was  a  brave  thing  to  do,  sir, 
that  about  the  ship  money.  We  common  folk 
know  what  it  means.  I'm  sure  we  thank  you 
with  all  our  hearts. 

Hampden:  I  don't  know  about  brave,  but 
I  know  it  is  good  to  be  thanked  like  that. 

Seth:  Yes,  sir.  That's  all.  Good-even,  sir; 
good-even,  mistress. 

(He  is  moving  away  as  two  of  BEDFORD'S 

agents  appear  at  the  window,  followed 

by  the  other  labourers,  who  have  returned 

with  them.} 

first  Agent:  Is  this  Mr.  Oliver  Cromwell's? 


2O  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  It  is. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  The  door  is  along  there,  to 
the  right. 

Cromwell:  It's  no  matter,  mother.  What  do 
you  want? 

First  Agent:  To  see  Mr.  Cromwell. 

Cromwell:  You  are  speaking  to  him. 

Second  Agent:  May  we  come  in? 

Cromwell:  Why,  yes. 

(They  do  so.  The  labourers  gather  round 
the  window  again.  They  follow  the 
coming  argument  with  close  personal 
concern.) 

Second  Agent:  May  we  speak  with  you 
alone  ? 

Cromwell:  These  are  all  my  friends.  I  have 
nothing  to  say  that  I  would  not  have  them 
hear. 

First  Agent:  It  is  discretion  for  your  sake. 

Cromwell:  I  do  not  desire  your  interest. 
What  have  you  to  say? 

Second  Agent:  It  is  said  that  you  will  op- 
pose the  proclamation  to-morrow. 

Cromwell:  Assuredly. 

Second  Agent:  The   Earl   of  Bedford   and 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  2  i 

those  with  him  have  not  drained  these  com- 
mons for  nothing. 

Cromwell:  Well? 

Second  Agent:  They  have  earned  the  rights 
to  be  proclaimed  to-morrow. 

Cromwell:  By  whose  will  ? 

First  Agent:  By  the  King's. 

Cromwell:  These  rights  of  pasture  belong 
to  the  people.  It  is  within  no  man's  powers  to 
take  them  away. 

Second  Agent:  The  King  decrees  it. 

Cromwell:  I  know  not  how  that  may  be.  I 
know  that  these  rights  are  the  people's,  above 
any  earl  or  king  whatsoever.  The  King  is  to 
defend  our  rights,  not  to  destroy  them. 

First  Agent:  This  is  plain  treason. 

Cromwell:  It  is  plain  sense. 

Second  Agent:  What  will  you  do  ? 

Cromwell:  To-morrow  you  will  proclaim 
these  rights  from  the  people  to  my  lord  of 
Bedford.  To-morrow  I  shall  tell  the  people 
that  I  alone,  if  needs  be,  will  oppose  it.  I 
will  fight  it  from  court  to  court.  I  will  make 
these  rights  my  rights  —  as  they  are.  These 
people  of  Ely  shall  speak  through  me.  They 


22  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

shall  pay  me  a  groat  a  year  for  each  head  of 
cattle  they  graze,  and  they  shall  enjoy  every 
foot  of  the  land  as  long  as  I  have  a  word  or  a 
pound  left  for  resistance. 

Second  Agent:  You  are  very  arrogant,  Mr. 
Cromwell.  There  are  lessons  to  be  learnt. 

Cromwell:  Aye,  there  are  lessons.  I  do  not 
speak  to  you,  but  to  your  master  —  to  the 
King  himself  if  it  comes  to  that.  You  may 
tell  him  all  that  I  have  said.  We  folk  of  Ely 
will  use  our  own  commons,  and  let  the  Earl  of 
Bedford  keep  within  his  own  palings.  There 
are  lessons,  say  you.  This  is  Mr.  John 
Hampden.  Will  you  speak  to  him  of  lessons? 
Mr.  Hampden's  ship  money  will  be  a  King's 
lesson,  I  tell  you. 

Hampden:  You  should  tell  your  masters  all 
that  you  see  and  hear.  Do  not  flatter  them. 
Let  it  be  the  truth.  Say  that  men  talk  every- 
where, more  and  more  openly.  Tell  them 
that  you  heard  John  Hampden  say  that  the 
King's  Star  Chamber  was  an  abomination, 
that  the  King  soiled  his  majesty  in  treating 
Mr.  Prynne  and  Mr.  Bastwick  so.  Say  that 
you  and  your  like  are  reviled  by  all  honest 
men. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  23 

Ireton:  And  you  can  say  that  it  is  no  fear 
of  earls  or  kings  that  spared  you  the  whipping 
you  would  deserve  if  you  were  better  than 
shadows. 

Bridget:  Well  said,  Mr.  Ireton. 

(There  is  a  demonstration  of  anger  from 
the  labourers,  but  CROMWELL  checks  it.} 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Now,  Henry  Ireton,  these 
gentlemen  may  be  bears,  but  I  won't  have 
you  make  this  room  into  a  bear-pit. 

Cromwell:  No,  friends,  these  men  say  but 
what  they  are  sent  to  say.  (To  the  agents.) 
I  should  not  speak  to  you  but  in  the  hope  that 
you  will  report  it  to  those  that  should  know. 
I  am  a  plain  burgess  of  this  city.  I  farm  a  few 
lands  and  am  known  to  none.  But  I  have  a 
faith  that  the  people  of  this  country  are  born 
to  be,  under  God,  a  free  people.  That  is  the 
fundamental  principle  of  this  English  life. 
If  your  masters,  be  they  who  they  may,  for- 
get that,  then,  as  you  say,  there  will  be  lessons 
to  be  learnt.  Here  in  Ely  it  is  my  part  to  see 
that  my  fellows  do  not  lose  their  birthright. 
You  shall  not  find  us  ignorant  nor  afraid.  I 
would  have  no  violence;  let  all  be  by  persua- 


24  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

sion  and  tolerance.  But  these  just  liberties 
must  not  be  touched.  Will  you  ask  my  Lord 
of  Bedford  to  reconsider  this? 

Second  Agent:  His  Lordship  will  reconsider 
nothing.  The  proclamation  is  to-morrow. 

Cromwell:  I  have  no  more  to  say. 

First  Agent:  Be  you  wary,  Mr.  Cromwell. 
These  arrogances  have  their  penalties.  The 
King's  anger  is  not  light. 

Cromwell:  You  threaten  idly.  My  word  is 
one  spoken  throughout  the  land.  You  can 
say  so. 

Second  Agent:  Mr.  Cromwell,  we  do  not  — • 

Cromwell:  My  mind  is  fixed.  I  think  I  have 
made  my  intention  clear.  That  is  all.  You 
may  go. 

(There  is  again  a  movement  against  them 
as  they  go,  followed  by  the  labourers.) 

Cromwell:  Seth. 

Seth:  Yes,  sir. 

Cromwell:  Ask  your  father  to  stay,  will 
you?  We  shall  want  a  song  after  that. 

Seth:  Yes,  sir.  (He  calls  from  the  window.) 
Father.  Master  wants  you  to  sing. 

(AMOS  TANNER  comes  back.) 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  25 

Cromwell:  Thank  you,  Amos.  Just  a  min- 
ute, will  you?  When  will  supper  be,  wife? 

Elizabeth:  In  half  an  hour. 

Cromwell:  How  would  a  turn  at  bowling  be, 
John? 

Hampden:  Done. 

Cromwell:  Henry,  you,  too? 

Ireton:  Yes;  and,  Mr.  Cromwell  — 

Cromwell:  Yes. 

Ireton:  I  don't  know  how  things  are  going. 
But  I  feel  that  great  events  are  making  and 
that  you  and  Mr.  Hampden  here  may  have 
power  to  use  men.  If  it  should  be  so,  I  would 
be  used.  That  is  all. 

Cromwell:  John's  the  man.  I'm  likely 
enough  to  stay  the  rest  of  my  days  in 
Ely. 

Ireton:   I  don't  think  so,  sir. 

Cromwell:  No?  Well.  A  glass  of  sherry, 
John  —  or  gin  ? 

Hampden:  Sherry,  Oliver. 

(CROMWELL  pours  out  the  sherry.) 

Cromwell:  Henry? 

Ireton:  Thank  you. 

Cromwell  (giving  glasses) :  Amos  ? 


26  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Amos:  I'd  liefer  have  a  pot  of  ale,  master,  if 
might  be. 

Cromwell:  Yes,  yes.  Bridget,  girl. 

(BRIDGET  goes.} 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Oliver,  boy,  you  were  quite 
right  —  all  that  you  said  to  those  men,  I 
mean.  I  don't  approve,  mind  you,  but  you 
were  quite  right. 

Cromwell:  Thank  you,  mother.  I  knew  you 
would  think  so. 

Elizabeth:  I  wonder  what  will  come  of  it. 
You  never  know,  once  you  begin  like  this. 

Cromwell:  You  never  know,  wife. 

Hampden:   There  are  lessons  to  be  learnt. 

Cromwell:  That's  what  they  said. 

(BRIDGET  returns  with  a  foaming  pot  of 
ale,  which  she  gives  to  AMOS.) 

Cromwell  (drinking)-.  To  freedom,  John. 
That's  good  sherry.  I  respect  not  such  ill 
reasoners  as  would  keep  all  wine  out  of  the 
country  lest  men  should  be  drunk.  Now, 
Amos.  Come  along,  John,  my  touch  was  good 
last  night.  I  shall  beat  you. 

(He  goes  out  on  to  the  lawn  beyond  the 
window,  with  HAMPDEN  and  IRETON. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  27 

They    are    seen    passing    to    and  fro, 
playing  bowls.} 
Amos  (singing] : 
When  I  shall  in  the  churchyard  lie, 

Poor  scholar  though  I  be, 
The  wheat,  the  barley,  and  the  rye 
Will  better  wear  for  me. 

For  truly  have  I  ploughed  and  sown, 

And  kept  my  acres  clean; 
And  written  on  my  churchyard  stone 
/This  character  be  seen: 

"  His  flocks,  his  barns,  his  gear  he  made 

His  daily  diligence, 
Nor  counted  all  his  earnings  paid 

In  pockets  full  of  pence/' 

(As  he  finishes,  the  bowlers  stand  listening 
at  the  window.) : 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 


28  OLIVER  CROMWELL 


The  Commons  of  England  in  session  at  St. 
Hepburn  s  Chapel,  Westminster,  on  No- 
vember 22,  1641.  CROMWELL,  HAMPDEN, 
IRETON  among  those  sitting.  We  see  the 
east  end  of  the  Chapel,  with  the  SPEAKER. 
It  is  past  midnight,  and  the  house  is  lighted 

with  candles.  A  member  is  speaking. 
The  Member:  That  the  grievances  set  out 
in  this  Remonstrance  now  before  you  are  just 
is  clear.  The  matter  has  been  debated  by  us 
these  eight  hours,  and  none  has  been  able  to 
deny  the  wrongs  which  are  here  set  forth.  It 
is  not  well  with  our  state,  and  correction  is 
needed.  Mr.  Ireton  has  very  clearly  shown 
us  how  this  is.  But  we  must  be  wary.  The 
King  is  the  King,  a  necessary  part,  as  it  must 
seem  to  us,  of  the  government  of  this  country. 
(There  are  murmurs  for  and  against  this; 

assent  in  the  majority.} 

To  pass  this  Remonstrance  can  be  no  other 
than  to  pass  a  vote  of  no  confidence  in  that 
King.  Consider  this.  Saying  so  much,  how 
shall  you  deny  to  overthrow  the  crown  if 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  29 

need  be?    And  who  among  you  is  willing  to 
bear  that  burden? 

(The  murmurs  grow  to  conflicting  cries.} 
I  beseech  you  let  us  not  commit  ourselves 
thus.  Nor  do  not  think  I  am  weak  in  zeal. 
There  are  evil  counsellors  with  the  King,  and 
they  would  destroy  us.  Our  liberties  must 
be  looked  to.  But  there  should  be  moderation 
in  this  act.  We  should  choose  some  other 
way.  We  must  defend  ourselves,  but  we  must 
not  challenge  the  King's  authority  so. 

(He  sits  down  to  a  confusion  of  voices,  and 

HAMPDEN  rises.} 

Hampden:  My  friend,  I  think,  is  deceived. 
This  Remonstrance  is  not  against  the  King. 
It  is  from  the  people  of  this  country  against  a 
policy.  We  desire  no  judgment  —  all  we  ask 
is  redress.  If  we  assert  ourselves  as  in  this 
instrument,  we  but  put  the  King  in  the  way 
of  just  government.  I  think  the  King  hardly 
knows  the  measure  of  his  wrongs  against  us, 
and  I  say  it  who  have  suffered.  (A  murmur  of 
assent.)  To  speak  clearly  as  is  here  done  will, 
I  think,  be  to  mend  his  mind  towards  us. 
This  Remonstrance  has  been  drawn  with  all 


30  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

care.  Not  only  is  its  intent  free  of  blame  to- 
wards the  King's  majesty  and  person,  but  it 
can,  I  hope,  be  read  by  no  fair-minded  man 
in  the  way  that  my  friend  fears.  If  I  thought 
that,  I  should  consider  more  closely  my  sup- 
port of  it.  But  I  have  considered  with  all 
patience,  and  it  seems  to  me  good. 

(He  sits,  and  again  there  is  a  rattle  of 

argument.  CROMWELL  rises.} 
Cromwell:  Sir,  this  is  a  day  when  every  man 
must  speak  the  truth  that  is  in  him,  or  be 
silent  in  shame,  and  for  ever.  Mr.  Hampden 
is  my  kinsman,  as  you  know,  one  who  has  my 
best  affection.  His  word  has  ever  been  a 
strength  among  us,  and  no  man  here  but 
knows  his  valiance  in  the  cause.  His  has  been 
a  long  suffering,  and  his  integrity  but  ripens. 
But  I  do  not  read  this  occasion  as  he  does, 
nor,  let  me  say,  do  I  fear  it  as  does  our  friend 
who  spoke  before.  That  gentleman  pleads 
that  this  Remonstrance  is  a  vote  of  want  of 
confidence  in  the  King,  such  as  none  of  us 
would  willingly  pass.  Mr.  Hampden  replies 
that  it  is  no  such  vote.  I  say  to  you  that 
it  is  such  a  vote,  and  that  I  would  pass  it 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  31 

with  all  my  heart.  Sir,  this  country,  the  spirit 
of  man  in  this  country,  has  suffered  griev- 
ances too  great  to  be  borne.  By  whom  are 
they  laid  upon  us  ?  I  say  it  is  by  the  King.  Is 
a  man's  estate  secure  to  himself?  Does  not 
the  King  pass  upon  it  levies  for  his  own  de- 
signs? You  know  that  it  is  so.  Is  there  not 
ship  money?  Mr.  Hampden  can  tell  you.  Is 
not  that  the  King's  affair?  Is  there  not  a 
Star  Chamber?  Ask  Mr.  Prynne  and  those 
others.  These  men  disliked  the  King's  church 

—  a  very  dangerous  church  as  it  seems  to  me 

—  and  were  bold  to  say  so.  And  for  that  each 
was  fined  five  thousand  pounds,  and  had  his 
ears  cut  off,  and  is  now  in  prison  for  life.   And 
does  not  the  Star  Chamber  belong  to  the 
King?    Who  among  you  can  deny  it?    And 
this  land  is  bruised,  I  tell   you,  by  such  in- 
famies.  There  is  no  sureness  in  a  man  for  his 
purse  or  his  body,  or  his  conscience.     The 
King, —  not  the  head  of  the  state,  mark  you, 
expressing  the  people's  will  in  one  authority, 

—  but  this  man  Charles  Rex,  may  use  all 
these  as  he  will.    I  aim  not  to  overthrow  the 
monarchy.    I  know  its  use  and  fitness  in  the 


32  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

realm,  as  well  as  any.  But  this  can  endure  no 
longer.  The  King  is  part  of  the  state,  but  we 
have  a  King  who  has  sought  to  put  the  state 
to  his  private  use.  The  King  should  have  his 
authority,  but  it  is  an  authority  subject  to 
the  laws  of  the  people.  This  King  denies  it, 
and  his  judges  flatter  the  heresy.  You  have 
but  one  question  before  you  —  there  is  in 
truth  but  one  raised  by  this  Remonstrance. 
Is  England  to  be  governed  by  the  King  or  by 
elected  representatives  of  the  people?  That  is 
what  we  have  now  to  decide,  not  for  ourselves 
alone,  but  for  our  children  in  the  generations 
to  come.  If  the  King  will  profit  by  a  lesson,  I 
with  any  man  will  be  his  loyal  and  loving 
subject.  But  at  this  moment  a  lesson  must  be 
given.  Why  else  have  you  appointed  my  Lord 
of  Essex  from  Parliament  to  take  command  of 
the  armed  forces  of  this  country?  Did  you 
not  fear  that  the  King  would  use  these  also 
against  you?  You  know  you  did.  I  say  it 
again,  this  that  is  now  to  be  put  to  you  is  a 
vote  of  want  of  confidence  in  the  King.  I 
would  it  were  so  more  expressly. 

(He  sits  to  an  angry  tumult.    HAMPDEN 
rises,  and  after  a  time  secures  order.) 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  33 

Hampden:  Sir,  this  question  could  not  be 
argued  to  an  end  if  we  sat  here  for  a  week. 
Already  we  have  considered  it  more  closely 
and  longer,  I  think,  than  any  that  has  ever 
been  before  this  House.  It  is  morning.  Each 
man  has  spoken  freely  from  his  mind.  I 
move  that  the  question  now  be  put. 

The  Speaker:  The  question  is,  whether  this 
question  now  be  put. 

(There  are  cries  of  "  Yea,"  and  "  No.") 

The  Speaker:  I  think  the  "  Yeas  "  have  it. 
(This  is  followed  by  silence  in  the  House.} 

The  Speaker:  Then  the  question  now  before 
the  House  is  whether  this  Declaration  shall 
pass. 

(Again   there   are   cries   of    :<  Yea "  and 
"  No  "  strongly  emphatic  on  both  sides.} 

The  Speaker:  I  think  the  "  Yeas  "  have  it. 

(There  are  loud  and  repeated  cries  of  "  No.") 

The  Speaker:  The  House  will  divide.  Tell- 
ers for  the  Yeas,  Sir  John  Clotworthy,  Mr. 
Arthur  Goodwyn.  Tellers  for  the  Noes,  Sir 
Frederick  Cornwallis  and  Mr.  Strangwayes. 
The  Yeas  to  go  forth. 

(The  House  divides,  the  Yeas,  including 


34  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

CROMWELL,  HAMPDEN,  and  IRETON, 
leaving  the  House,  the  Noes  remaining 
seated.  The  tellers  for  the  Noes,  with 
their  staffs,  count  their  numbers  in  the 
House,  while  the  tellers  for  the  Yeas  at 
the  door  count  theirs  as  they  reenter. 
The  pent-up  excitement  grows  as  the 
Yeas  resume  their  seats  and  the  telling 
draws  to  a  close.  The  tellers  move  up  to 
the  SPEAKER  and  give  in  their  figures.} 
The  Speaker:  The  Noes,  148.  The  Yeas, 
159.  The  Yeas  have  it  by  eleven. 

(The  announcement  is  received  with  a  loud 
turmoil  of  cheering,  during  which  IRE- 
TON  rises.) 

Ireton:  Sir,  I  move  that  this  measure,  as 
passed  by  this  House,  be  printed  and  dis- 
tributed throughout  the  land. 

(The  House  breaks  out  into  a  wild  disturb- 
ance.   ''  Yea  "  shouting  against  "  No," 
swords  being  drawn  and  members  hus- 
tling  each   other.   THE    SPEAKER  and 
HAMPDEN  at  length  pacify  them.) 
Hampden:  I  beg  you  remember  what  busi- 
ness you  are  on.   These  are  grave  times,  for 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  35 

stout  wills,  but  temperate  blood.    I  beg  you, 
gentlemen. 

The  Speaker:  The  question  is,  whether  this 
Declaration  shall  be  printed  and  distributed. 
(Cries  of  "Yea"  and  "  No.") 
The  Speaker:  I  think  the  "  Noes  "  have  it. 
(Again  there  is  tumult,  during  which  the 
SPEAKER    leaves    his    chair    and    the 
House;  and  the  session  breaks  up,  the 
members  leaving  in  passionate  discus- 
sion. CROMWELL,  HAMPDEN,  and  IRE- 
TON  stand  talking.} 

Cromwell  (to  HAMPDEN)  :  It  is   the  begin- 
ning. 

Hampden:  It  may  mean  terror  in  this  land. 
Cromwell:  It  may.  But  the  country  must 
be  delivered.  I  had  thought  to  live  in  peace 
among  my  Ely  acres.  I  sought  none  of  this. 
But  we  must  serve.  If  this  Remonstrance 
had  been  rejected,  I  would  have  sold  all  I 
have  and  have  never  seen  England  more. 
And  I  know  there  are  many  other  honest  men 
of  this  same  resolution. 

Ireton:  The  issue  is  set.  We  may  have  to 
spend  all  that  we  have. 


36  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  Our  goods,  our  peace,  our  lives. 

Hampden:  We  must  be  diligent  among  the 
people. 

Cromwell:  It  is  the  Lord's  will. 

Ireton:  I  can  speak  for  many  in  Notting- 
hamshire. 

Cromwell:  They  will  be  needed. 

Hampden:  I  can  spend  one  thousand 
pounds  on  arms. 

Cromwell:  Arms.  Yes.  If  it  must  be.  But 
God  may  spare  us. 

(There  is  a  sound  of  argument  outside,  and 
BRIDGET  CROMWELL,  persuading  an 
officer  of  the  House  to  let  her  enter, 
comes  in  with  AMOS  TANNER.  They  are 
both  from  a  long  journey.} 

Bridget  (greeting  her  father  and  the  others} : 
I  went  to  your  lodging  and  learnt  that  you 
were  still  here. 

Cromwell:  But  what  is  it,  daughter? 

Bridget:  Amos  here  —  we  had  to  come. 

Cromwell:  Well? 

Amos:  My  boy  —  there,  I  can't  tell. 

Bridget:  Seth  —  you  .know  he  came  to 
London  last  year. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  37 

Cromwell:  Yes. 

Bridget:  It  seems  he  was  in  a  tavern  here 
one  evening,  and  they  were  talking  about 
ship  money.  Seth  said  it  was  a  bad  thing,  and 
he  spoke  of  our  Cousin  Hampden. 

Amos:  He  remembered  Mr.  Hampden 
when  he  was  at  Ely,  sir.  He  always  took  a 
great  opinion  of  Mr.  Hampden,  Seth  did. 

Bridget:  He  said  Cousin  John  was  a  great 
patriot  because  he  wouldn't  pay.  The  King's 
spies  were  there.  Seth  was  taken.  He  got  a 
message  sent  down  to  Amos.  It  was  to  be  a 
Star  Chamber  matter. 

Amos:  There  wasn't  a  better  lad  in  the 
shire,  sir. 

Cromwell:  What  has  been  done? 

Bridget:  We  don't  know.  I  brought  Amos 
up  at  once  to  find  you.  I  wanted  to  come 
alone,  but  he  wouldn't  let  me. 

Amos:  I  couldn't  stay,  sir.  They'll  not 
have  hurt  him  surely? 

Bridget:  What  will  they  do?  Is  it  too  late? 
Can't  it  be  stopped? 

Cromwell:  Bassett.  (The  officer  comes.) 

Bassett:  Yes,  sir. 


38  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  Have  you  heard  any  Star  Cham- 
ber news  these  last  days  ? 

Bassett:  Nothing  out  of  the  way,  sir.  A  few 
croppings  and  brandings. 

Cromwell:  Any  names? 

Bassett:  Jollyboy  was  one.  That's  an  any- 
how name  for  a  man,  now,  isn't  it?  Lupton 
there  was,  too.  He  was  cropped,  both  ears  — 
said  a  bishop  was  a  man.  That  was  blas- 
phemous. And  a  fellow  about  ship  money. 
That  was  savage.  Tanner  his  name  was. 

Amos:  Yes  —  but  not  Seth  —  it  wasn't 
Seth  Tanner? 

Bassett:  Tanner  was  all  I  heard. 

Amos:  It  wouldn't  be  Seth. 

Bridget:  What  did  they  do  to  him? 

Bassett:  It's  not  proper  hearing  for  your 
sort.  But  they  let  him  go. 

Cromwell:  What  was  it?  The  girl  has 
heart  enough. 

Bassett:  Both  thumbs,  both  ears,  the 
tongue,  and  a  T  on  the  forehead. 

Amos:  It  wasn't  Seth,  sir.  It  couldn't  be 
Seth  —  not  like  that.  He  was  the  beau  ty  of 
the  four  parishes. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  39 

Bassett  (to  CROMWELL)  :  Was  he  something 
to  do  with  you,  sir? 

Cromwell:  There  is  a  boy,  Seth  Tanner,  we 
have  a  care  for. 

Bassett:  Because  I  made  bold  to  take  him 
in.  He  was  dazed,  as  it  were  —  didn't  seem 
to  know  where  to  go. 

Cromwell:  It  was  a  good  man's  doing. 
Where  is  he? 

Bassett:  I  live  under  the  walls  here,  as  you 
might  say. 

Cromwell:  Could  we  see  him? 

Bassett:  Nay  —  it's  no  place  to  take  you  to. 
But  I'll  fetch  him  if  you  will.  He  doesn't 
sleep. 

Cromwell:  Do,  then. 

(BASSETT  goes.) 

Amos:  It's  not  my  Seth,  is  it,  sir?  Not 
his  tongue  —  and  a  bloody  T.  They  would 
know  how  he  could  sing,  and  he  looked  like 
Gabriel  in  the  books. 

Hampden:  Shall  we  go,  Oliver? 

Cromwell:  No.    Let  us  all  see  it  out. 

Bridget:  Father,  it's  horrible.  They  don't 
do  things  like  that,  do  they? 


4O  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Amos:  Dumb  —  and    a    bloody   T  —  and 
the  thumbs.    It's  some  other  poor  lad. 

(BASSETT  returns;  with  him  a  figure,  the 
hands  and  ears  bound  up  in  rough  thick 
bandages,  and  on  his  forehead  a  burning 
red  T.  He  looks  at  them,  with  reason 
hardly  awake.} 

Amos  (going  to  him) :   Seth  —  Seth,  boy. 
(SETH  moves  his  lips,  but  makes  no  sound. 

They  look  at  him  in  horror.} 
Bridget:  Father  —  father. 
Cromwell:    There  —  no  —  no.    (To    BAS- 
SETT.)    Take  him,  good  fellow.     Care  for 
him  as  you  can.    Get  a  surgeon  for  him. 
Here's  money.   No,  no,  old  man. 

(BASSETT  goes  with  SETH.) 
Amos:  A  bloody  T.  And  dumb.  God  blast 
the  King! 

Cromwell:  Take  him  to  our  lodging,  daugh- 
ter.  Go  with  them,  Ireton.   I'll  follow. 

(BRIDGET,  AMOS,  and  IRETON  go.) 
Cromwell:  John,  you  are  my  best-beloved 
friend. 

Hampden:  I  praise  myself  in  that  more 
than  in  most. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  41 

Cromwell:  I  call  you  to  witness.   That  is  a 
symbol.    Before  God,  I  will  not  rest  until  all 
that  it  stands  for  in  this  unhappy  England  is 
less  than  the  dust.   Amen. 
Hampden:  Amen. 

(A  linkman  is  heard  calling  in  the  street. 
CROMWELL  and  HAMPDEN  go  out.} 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 

SCENE  III 

CROMWELL'S  house  at  Ely.  A  year  later,  164.2. 
It  is  afternoon  in  winter.  MRS.  CROM- 
WELL is  sitting  by  the  fire,  reading.  She 
looks  a  little  more  her  eighty-odd  years 
than  she  did  in  the  first  scene. 
After  a  few  moments  BRIDGET  comes  in.  She  is 

opening  a  letter. 

Bridget:  Father  has  written,  grandmother. 
Shall  I  read  it  to  you? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  child. 
Bridget  (sits  by  the  fire,  and  reads} : 
My  dear  daughter, 

I   am   lately  arrived   in   London,   from 
Edgehill    in    the    county   of   Warwickshire, 


4-2  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

where  for  the  first  time  our  men  met  the 
King's  army  in  set  dispute.  It  was  late  on 
the  Sabbath  afternoon,  so  that,  as  we  lay  for 
the  attack,  the  sound  of  church  bells  came  to 
us  from  three  or  four  places.  The  King  had 
the  better  ground,  also  they  exceeded  us  in 
numbers,  both  horse  and  foot,  and  in  cannon. 
It  is  hard  to  say  which  way  the  battle  went, 
the  advantage  at  one  time  being  here,  at 
another  there.  Their  horsemen  behaved  very 
well,  being  commanded  by  Prince  Rupert,  a 
soldier  of  great  courage  in  the  field.  Your 
Cousin  Hampden  managed  a  regiment  with 
much  honour,  and  twice  or  thrice  delivered 
our  cause.  We  were  engaged  until  night 
stayed  us.  Some  four  thousand  were  slain, 
their  loss,  I  hear,  being  the  greater.  Of  the 
sixty  in  my  own  troop,  eighteen  fell.  We  had 
commendation  from  the  general,  and  indeed 
I  think  we  did  not  fail  in  resolution.  But 
this  matter  will  not  be  accomplished  save  we 
build,  as  it  were,  again  from  the  foundation. 
This  is  God's  service,  and  all  must  be  given. 
To  which  end  I  am  now  coming  home,  to  call 
out  all  such  men  as  have  the  love  of  England 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  43 

in  their  hearts,  and  fear  God.  I  shall  labour 
with  them.  It  seems  to  me  that  I  shall  be 
called  to  great  trust  in  this,  and  I  will  set  such 
example  as  I  can.  Expect  me  as  soon  as  you 
receive  this,  for  indeed  I  leave  London  as  soon 
almost  as  my  letter.  Your  mother  I  saw  here 
with  her  nephew.  She  loves  you  as  I  do. 
Henry  Ireton  comes  with  me  —  he  served 
very  stoutly  at  Edgehill,  and  hath  a  gunshot 
in  the  arm.  None  is  like  to  serve  these  times 
better  than  he.  Give  my  loving  duty  to 
your  grandmother,  which  I  shall  at  once 
deliver  myself.  God  bless  you. 

Your  affectionate  Father. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  You  are  born  into  a  great 
story,  child.  I  am  old. 

Bridget:  It's  wonderful.  To  stand  like  that. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Not  wonder  only,  girl. 
There  are  griefs. 

Bridget:  They  are  wonderful,  too,  I  think. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Youth,  you  are  dear.  With 
an  old  woman,  it's  all  reckoning.  One  sees 
the  follies  then  of  this  man  and  that. 

Bridget:  It  had  to  come,  grandmother. 
The  King  was  taking  all. 


44  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  It  had  to  come.  Men  were 
no  wiser  than  that.  To  make  this  of  the  land ! 
One  Cain,  as  your  father  says. 

Bridget:  It's  as  though  life  were  different, 
suddenly.  Do  you  feel  it,  grandmother? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  know.  There  are  times 
when  wrath  comes,  and  beauty  is  forgotten. 
But  it  must  be. 

Bridget   (from  the  letter) :  "  This  is  God's 
service,  and  all  must  be  given." 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes.    Even  that. 
Bridget:  But  you  do  think  father  is  right? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  child.   He  could  do  no 
other.  That's  his  tribute  to  necessity.  We  all 
pay  it.    He  will  pay  it  greatly.    We  may  be 
sure  of  that.    (Horses  are  heard  outside?)   Here 
they  are. 

(BRIDGET  goes  out  to  meet  CROMWELL  and 
IRETON,  with  whom  she  returns  in  a 
moment.  IRETON'S  right  arm  is  in  a 
sling.  MRS.  CROMWELL  has  put  her 
book  aside,  and  is  standing.  She  em* 
braces  OLIVER.) 

Cromwell:  Well,  mother.  \Almost  before 
our  own  tidings,  eh? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  45 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Bless  you,  son.  How  d'ye 
do,  Henry  Ireton?  (Shaking  hands  with  him.} 
Is  it  Colonel  Ireton  yet? 

Ireton:  No,  ma'am. 

Cromwell:  Soon,  mother.    He  is  marked. 

Bridget:  Is  the  arm  — 

Ireton:  No,  nothing. 

Cromwell:  The  mayor  has  not  come  yet? 

Bridget:  No.  You  expect  him? 

Cromwell:  Yes.   We  must  work  at  once. 

(A  bell  rings.) 

Bridget:  That  may  be  the  mayor.  I  will 
bring  him.  (She  goes  out.) 

Cromwell:  Elizabeth  sends  her  devotion  to 
you,  mother. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Thank  her,  truly.  Well, 
boy,  it  has  begun? 

Cromwell:  We  must  dispute  it  to  the  end 
now. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  May  England  prosper  by 
you. 

Cromwell:  With  God's  help,  amen. 

(BRIDGET  returns  with  the  MAYOR  of  Ely.) 

Cromwell:  Welcome,  Mr.  Mayor. 

The     Mayor:     Your    good-day,    Captain 


46  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell.    (To  MRS.   CROMWELL.)  Ma'am. 
(To  IRETON.)    Sir. 

Cromwell:  Will  you  sit? 

(They  all  sit,  MRS.  CROMWELL,  BRIDGET, 
and  IRETON  by  the  fire.  CROMWELL  and 
the  MAYOR  at  the  table.) 

The  Mayor:  At  Edgehill  in  Warwickshire, 
I  hear? 

Cromwell:  Yes. 

The  Mayor:  The  issue  was  left  uncertain, 
it  is  said? 

Cromwell:  Of  that  battle,  yes.  But  I  think 
the  issue  was  there  decided,  some  few  of 
us  there  learning  what  must  now  be  done. 
Those  few  held  firmly  at  Edgehill,  keeping 
us  as  far  from  defeat  as  we  were,  though  that 
was  little  enough.  For  our  troops  are  most  of 
them  old  decayed  serving-men,  and  tapsters, 
and  such  kind  of  fellows;  and  their  troops  are 
gentlemen's  sons,  younger  sons  and  persons 
of  quality.  Do  you  think  that  the  spirits  of 
such  base,  mean  fellows  will  ever  be  able  to 
encounter  gentlemen,  that  have  honour  and 
courage  and  resolution  in  them?  We  must 
get  men  of  a  spirit  that  is  likely  to  go  on  as 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  47 

far  as  gentlemen  will  go,  or  we  shall  be  beaten 
still.  We  must  raise  such  men  as  have  the 
fear  of  God  before  them,  such  men  as  make 
some  conscience  of  what  they  do.  We  must 
do  this,  Mr.  Mayor.  I  never  thought  to  use 
a  sword,  but  now  all  must  be  given  that  it 
may  be  used  well.  I  would  have  you  send  a 
summons  to  all  the  people  of  this  town  and 
countryside.  Bid  them  meet  two  days  hence 
in  the  market-place  at  noon.  I  will  tell  them 
of  all  these  things.  I  will  show  them  how 
the  heart  of  England  is  threatened.  We 
must  give,  we  must  be  diligent  in  service, 
we  must  labour.  An  army  is  to  be  made 
• — we  must  make  it.  We  have  no  help  but 
our  own  hands  —  by  them  alone  we  must 
save  this  country.  Will  you  send  out  this 
summons? 

The  Mayor  (rising} :  It  shall  be  done,  this 
hour.  My  service  to  you. 

(He  bows  to  all  and  goes.} 

Cromwell:  Nothing  is  to  be  spared  the 
cause  must  have  all.  We  must  be  frugal, 
mother.  Daughter,  help  as  you  can. 

Bridget:  I  will,  indeed,  father. 


48  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  You  commit  yourself,  boy, 
beyond  turning  back  in  all  this. 

Cromwell:  It  must  be  so.  The  choice  has 
been  made,  and  is  past. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  The  Lord  prosper  you. 
But  I  am  an  old  woman.  Age  can  but  have 
misgivings. 

Cromwell:  We  must  have  none,  mother. 
We  have  gone  to  this  in  prayer,  we  must  es- 
tablish it  in  belief.  Every  yeoman,  all  the 
workers  in  the  land,  all  courtesy  and  brave 
reason  look  to  us.  What  men  hereafter  shall 
make  of  their  lives  must  be  between  them  and 
God  in  their  own  hearts.  But  to-day  it  must 
be  given  to  them,  the  right  to  live  as  they 
most  truly  may  in  the  light  of  their  own 
proper  character.  No  king  may  be  against  us. 
He  may  lead  us,  but  he  may  not  be  against  us. 
Have  no  misgivings,  mother.  Faith  every- 
where, that  is  our  shield. 

Mrs.  Cromwell  (rising) :  I  will  be  no  hin- 
drance, son. 

Cromwell:  You  are  my  zeal.  I  grew  to  it  in 
you. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  must  see.    (She  goes  out.) 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  49 

Cromwell:  How  is  Seth,  Bridget? 

Bridget:  He  mends  daily.  Amos  tends  him 
like  a  mother. 

Cromwell:  I  must  see  them.  Send  to 
Mistress  Hall  and  Robert.  Let  us  have 
music  this  evening.  Anthony,  too.  Let  him 
bring  his  flute.  There's  good  music  here, 
Henry.  (He  goes.} 

Bridget:  Robert  Hall  sings  beautifully. 

Ireton:  Will  you  sing,  too? 

Bridget:  I  expect  so. 

Ireton:  I  once  tried  to  learn  the  flute.  It 
was  no  good.  I  couldn't  do  it  unless  I  watched 
my  fingers. 

Bridget:  Was  it  very  terrible  at  Edge- 
hill? 

Ireton:  Yes. 

Bridget:  Were  we  really  beaten? 

Ireton:  No.    A  few  saved  us  from  that. 

Bridget:  Were  you  one? 

Ireton:  Your  father  was  chief  among  them. 

Bridget:  Was  he? 

Ireton:  He  will  lead  armies.  Every  man 
will  follow  him.  He  never  faltered,  and  there 
was  no  misjudgment,  ever. 


50  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Bridget:  Did  you  keep  the  horses  you  had 
when  you  left  London? 

Ireton:  Yes,  both  of  us. 

Bridget:  I  was  glad  to  see  you  them 

Ireton:  You  know  what  is  coming? 

Bridget:  Yes.   I  see  it. 

Ireton:  We  shall  live  with  danger  now.  It 
may  take  years.  Many  of  us  will  not  see  the 
end.  We  are  no  longer  our  own. 

Bridget:  These  are  the  best  crusades. 

Ireton:  To  be  called,  thus.  To  be  led  by 
such  a  one.  I  know  your  father  will  direct  it 
—  he  must  be  the  man.  He  is  only  a  captain 
to-night,  but  in  a  month  or  two  you  will  see. 
And  we  shall  be  a  mighty  following.  I  see 
them  forming,  terrible  hosts.  We  must  give 
all,  truly.  I  shall  give  all,  I  think.  It  is  little 
enough.  Bridget. 

Bridget:  Yes. 

Ireton:  You  promised.  I  might  speak  again, 
you  said. 

Bridget:  Yes. 

Ireton:  Will  you  wed  a  man  so  dedicated  ? 

Bridget:  The  more  for  that.  Yes,  Henry. 

Ireton  (as  they  embrace) :  May  we  tell  your 
father  now? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  51 

Bridget:  Yes  —  if  I  can  but  help  you  to 
serve. 

Ireton:  You  shape  my  service.  In  you  shall 
all  the  figures  of  my  service  dwell.  Will  he 
take  this  kindly? 

Bridget:  Surely.  He  loves  you,  he  has  said 
it  often.  (CROMWELL  returns.} 

Bridget:  Father,  Henry  Ireton  has  to  speak 
to  you. 

Cromwell:  Eh? 

Ireton:  Yes,  Mr.  Cromwell. 

Cromwell:  Quite  so.  Mr.  Cromwell.  That's 
very  interesting  now,  isn't  it? 

Ireton:  By  your  leave  I  would  marry 
Bridget. 

Cromwell:  I  dare  say.  You  would  be  a 
very  foolish  young  man  else.  And,  what  of 
Bridget's  leave? 

Bridget:  He  has  that. 

Cromwell:  I  should  think  so,  too.   Well? 

Ireton:  You  consent? 

Cromwell:  I  could  do  nothing  more  gladly. 
You  have  chosen  well,  both  of  you.  I  rejoice 
for  you.  But  you  must  wait  until  this  busi- 
ness we  have  in  hand  is  gathered  up  a  little. 


52  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Bridget:  Yes,  father.    It  is  better  so. 
Cromwell:  Let  your  mother  know  of  the 
betrothal.    I  will  write  as  well. 
Bridget:  To-night. 

Cromwell:  Seth  asked  to  see  you,  Henry. 
Ireton:  Shall  we  go? 
Bridget:  Yes. 

(BRIDGET  and  IRETON  go.) 
(CROMWELL  lights  a  candle,  gets  paper  and 
pen,  and  sits  at  the  table  writing.   After 
a  few  moments  MRS.  CROMWELL  comes 
in.    She  carries  a  large  bunch  of  keys. 
CROMWELL   looks   up,    and   continues 
writing.     She  unlocks  a  large  wooden 
chest,  and  takes  some  parchment  deeds 
from  it.    Then  she  comes  to  CROMWELL 
at  the  table.} 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Oliver. 
Cromwell:  Yes,  mother. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:   These   are   my  five   Ely 
houses,  and  the  Huntingdon  farmlands.    Use 
them. 

Cromwell:  But  it's  all  you  have. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  My  needs  are  few,  and  I 
have  not  many  days. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  53 

Cromwell  (rising) :  I  will  use  them,  mother, 

worthily,  with  God's  help.        (He  kisses  her.} 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Bless  you,  my  son.    Bless 

you  always.    And  may  the  mercy  of  God  be 

upon  England. 

Cromwell:  Upon  England  —  Amen. 

(He  places  the  deeds  on  the  table  before 
him,  and  resumes  his  writing.  MRS. 
CROMWELL  closes  the  chest,  and  sits  at 
a  spinet,  playing?) 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Mr.  Lawes  makes  beautiful 
music,  Oliver. 

Oliver:  Yes,  mother. 

(She  plays  again  for  a  few  moments.    Then 

BRIDGET  and  IRETON  return.) 
Bridget:  Amos  and  Seth  want  to  speak  to 
you,  father.   The  men  are  coming. 

Cromwell:  Yes.  (She  beckons  them  in.) 

Cromwell:  Bridget  has  news  for  you, 
mother. 

(BRIDGET  and  IRETON  go  to  MRS.  CROM- 
WELL.) 

Amos:  I  meant  to  speak  when  you  were 
down  there,  sir.  But  I'm  a  bit  slow.  There's 
two  things,  so  to  say. 


54  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  Yes,  Amos. 

Amos:  There's  to  be  great  wars  and  spend- 
ing, I  know. 

Cromwell:  Yes,  Amos. 

Amos:  I  should  like  to  give  the  little  IVe 
saved.  You'll  spend  it  well,  sir,  I  know.  It's 
a  matter  of  two  pound.  It's  not  a  deal,  but 
it  might  help  by  way  of  an  example,  as  it 
might  be.  (He  offers  a  small  bag  of  money.} 

Cromwell:  In  such  measure  it  shall  be  taken 
from  all  who  will  give.  That  is  true  in  spirit, 
Amos.  It  shall  be  used. 

(He  places  it  with  the  deeds.) 

Amos:  And  then  if  I  might  speak  for  Seth. 

Cromwell:  Yes,  what  is  it? 

Amos:  He's  dumb,  sir,  it's  true,  but  you'll 
find  no  better  heart  nor  wits.  And  he  has  a 
fair  lot  of  book-learning  now  as  well,  and  has 
come  to  handle  a  pen  for  all  his  poor  hands 
were  treated  so.  He  would  be  your  servant, 
sir,  in  the  wars. 

Oliver:  It's  a  good  offer.  Very  well,  Seth, 
we'll  serve  together. 

(SETH  acknowledges  this,  gravely  pleased. 
There  are  voices  outside.) 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  55 

Bridget:  They  are  coming,  father.  Are  you 
ready? 

Cromwell:  Yes. 

(BRIDGET  opens  the  door  on  to  the  stone 
hall,  and  the  labourers  stand  at  the  door 
and  beyond.} 

Cromwell  (rising):  My  friends,  I  know  not 
to  what  labour  you  will  next  be  called,  but  we 
are  upon  dark  and  proving  days,  coming  to 
memorable  issues.  The  tyranny  that  has 
worked  among  us  so  grievously  and  long  now 
strikes  at  our  all.  We  must  betake  ourselves 
to  defence,  or  this  will  be  but  a  rotten  realm, 
fair  for  no  man  to  live  in  henceforth.  Do  not 
be  mistaken.  In  the  way  of  life  out  of  which 
has  come  this  menacing  destruction  upon  us 
is  much  of  beauty,  much  of  nobility,  and  the 
light  of  man's  mind.  These  things  it  will  be 
for  us  in  season  to  cherish  and  preserve.  But 
where  these  have  been  is  no  warrant  for 
authority  abused.  And  authority  this  day 
is  an  abuse  against  us  to  the  very  pitch  of 
wickedness.  We  are  called  to  stand  for  the 
charter  of  all  men's  faith,  for  the  charter 
which  is  liberty,  which  is  God.  Against  us 


5 6  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

are  arrayed  the  ranks  of  privilege.  They  are 
mighty,  well  used  in  arms,  fearless,  and  not 
easily  to  be  turned  aside.  But  we  go  to 
battle  in  the  name  of  God.  Let  every  man 
consider  it.  Each  one  of  you  is  here  and  now 
called  to  service  in  that  name,  that  hereafter 
in  England  a  man  may  call  his  hearth  his 
own.  And  now  may  the  love  of  God  inform 
you.  In  humble  courage  let  us  go  forward, 
nourishing  our  strength,  sure  always  in  our 
cause.  May  God  bless  us,  and  teach  us  the 
true  valiance,  and  may  He  spend  us  accord- 
ing to  His  will.  Amen.  The  Lord  is  my  Shep- 
herd; I  shall  not  want. 

(Together  they  sing,  AMOS  leading  them.) 

The  Lord  is  my  shepherd ;  I  shall  not  want. 

He  maketh  me  to  lie  down  in  green  pas- 
tures; he  leadeth  me  beside  the  still  waters. 

He  restoreth  my  soul;  he  leadeth  me  in  the 
paths  of  righteousness  for  his  name's  sake. 

Yea,  though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of 
the  shadow  of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil;  for 
thou  art  with  me  .  .  . 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  57 


SCENE  IV 

After  dawn  on  July  14,  1645,  the  day  of 
Naseby. 

GENERAL  FAIRFAX,  with  IRETON — now  colo- 
nel —  and  two  other  officers,  is  holding  a 
council  of  war  in  his  tent.  He  is  working 
with  a  map.  During  the  proceedings  sen- 
tries pass  to  and  fro. 

Fairfax:  Between  Mill  Hill,  and  Sulby 
Hall,  there.  Broad  Moor  —  yes.  You  meas- 
ure their  numbers  at  ten  thousand,  Staines? 

Staines:  Not  more  than  ten,  nor  less  than 
eight. 

Fairfax:  Four  thousand  or  so  of  them 
horse? 

Staines:   It  is  thought  so. 

Fairfax:  Yes,  yes.  We  are  eleven  thousand, 
eh,  Pemberton? 

Pemberton:  Eleven  thousand  and  perhaps 
three  hundred. 

Fairfax:  Naseby  will  be  three  quarters  — • 
no,  half  a  mile  behind  us. 

IRETON:  The  right  of  the  field  is  boggy, 


58  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

and  pitted  by  rabbits.  The  action  is  like  to 
move  to  the  left. 

Fairfax:  Yes.  There's  a  high  hedge  above 
there  below  Sulby.  It  would  be  useful  to  us 
then. 

Staines:  It  has  been  marked,  and  dug  al- 
most to  the  waterside. 

Fairfax:  Good.  Skippon  and  myself  with 
the  infantry  there  and  there.  Then  the 
cavalry  —  you  have  one  wing,  Ireton,  or  you 
must  command  all,  since  General  Cromwell 
is  not  come. 

Pemberton:  Is  there  any  word  of  him  ? 

Fairfax:  None. 

Staines:  They  do  not  consider  us  at 
Westminster. 

Ireton:  It  is  disastrous  of  them  to  hesitate 
so.  They  do  not  understand. 

Fairfax:  No.  I  have  told  them  that  to-day 
is  to  be  made  the  fiercest  trial  of  all,  but  they 
do  not  listen. 

Pemberton:  Where  is  General  Cromwell? 

Fairfax:  None  knows.  These  months  he 
has  been  up  and  down  the  land,  exhorting, 
stirring  up  opinion,  watching  the  discipline 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  59 

of  our  new  armies,  lending  his  personal 
authority  in  bringing  men's  minds  to  the 
cause.  But  to-day  we  need  him  here.  He 
should  have  been  sent.  We  need  him. 

Ireton:  Urgently.  Charles  and  Rupert  are 
staking  all  on  this. 

Staines:  They  were  never  in  better  tune. 
It  is  as  though  every  man  were  picked. 

Fairfax:  I  said  this  to  Westminster. 

Ireton:  We  carry  too  many  callow  soldiers 
against  them.  Example  will  be  everything. 
General  Cromwell  and  his  chosen  troops  have 
that,  and  experience;  none  like  them. 

Pemberton:  Does  the  General  himself  know 
of  our  necessity,  do  you  think,  sir? 

Fairfax:  There  is  no  tracing  him.  He  al- 
most certainly  does  not  know,  or  he  would 
have  insisted.  There  are  rumours  of  him 
from  the  eastern  counties,  of  some  activities 
with  his  men,  but  no  more. 

Ireton:  And  the  hope  of  England  here  in 
grave  peril.  Westminster  is  disgraceful. 

Staines:  Your  appeal  was  plain,  sir  — 
weighty  enough  ? 

Fairfax  (taking  a  paper  from  the  table) :  You 


60  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

may  hear  for  yourself.  (Reading  the  end  of  a 
letter  copy.)  "  The  general  esteem  and  affec- 
tion which  he  hath  with  the  officers  and 
soldiers  of  this  whole  army,  his  own  personal 
worth  and  ability  for  employment,  his  great 
care,  diligence,  courage,  and  faithfulness  in 
the  services  you  have  already  employed  him 
in,  with  the  constant  presence  and  blessing 
of  God  that  have  accompanied  him,  make  us 
look  upon  it  as  the  duty  we  owe  to  you  and 
the  public,  to  make  it  our  suit." 

Pemberton:  It  is  shameful  of  them. 

Ireton:  It  is.  But  that  hope  is  gone.  Do  I 
take  the  left,  sir? 

Fairfax:  You  must  choose.  The  horse 
entirely  are  your  command  now. 

Ireton:  Whalley  on  the  right,  and  you, 
Pemberton. 

Fairfax:  What's  the  hour? 

Staines:  Six  o'clock,  sir. 

Fairfax:  They  have  had  three  hours.  Let 
the  army  sleep  till  ten  if  it  may  be. 

Staines:  Yes,  sir. 

Ireton:  Are  you  satisfied  about  those  foot- 
men on  the  left,  sir? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  61 

Fairfax:  No,  not  satisfied.  But  we  cannot 
better  it. 

Pemberton:  Rupert  is  almost  certain  to  see 
the  weakness  there. 

Fairfax:  Yes,  but  there  it  is.  Skippon 
must  cover  it  as  he  can.  We  have  spoken  of 
it  very  exactly. 

Ireton:  If  either  wing  of  our  horse  breaks, 
it  means  certain  disaster  there,  even  though 
Skippon  could  hold  in  the  centre. 

Fairfax:  That's  Cromwell  again.  And  all 
to  satisfy  the  pride  of  a  few  useless  members 
that  his  self-denying  ordinance  keeps  out  of 
command. 

Staines:  Do  you  think  it's  that,  sir? 

Fairfax:  What  else?  They  are  more  jeal- 
ous that  he  should  come  to  no  more  honour 
than  that  we  should  succeed.  And  after  all 
that  has  been  given. 

Ireton:  The  blood. 

Pemberton:  It  is  abominable. 

Fairfax:  But  there  —  we  must  not  distress 
ourselves.  We  have  our  own  loyalty.  Keep 
in  touch  with  Skippon,  Staines.  If  you  can 
push  their  right  foot  up  towards  Sibbertoft 


62  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

there,  spare  nothing  in  the  doing.    Have  you 
all  slept,  gentlemen? 

Ireton  and  the  others:  Yes,  sir. 

Fairfax:  Since  we  lack  General  Cromwell, 
more  depends  on  you,  Ireton,  than  on  any 
man,  perhaps.  You  will  not  be  wanting,  I 
know. 

Ireton:  In  endeavour  at  least  —  and  we 
can  die. 

(A  scout  comes  in.) 

Fairfax:  Yes  ? 

The  Scout:  Something  moves  across  from 
the  east,  sir.  It  is  very  faint.  It  may  be  haze, 
or  it  may  be  dust. 

Fairfax:  Watch.   Come  again  at  once. 
(The  scout  goes.    FAIRFAX  and  the  others 
go  to  the  tent  opening,  and  look  out.) 

Fairfax:  Yes  —  there.  It  is  moving,  isn't 
it? 

Ireton:  I  think  not. 

Staines:  Surely. 

Pemberton:  Could  it  be? 

Fairfax:  No.   We  should  have  heard. 

Ireton:  And  yet  it  seems  to  be  moving. 

Fairfax:  Gentlemen,  we  must  keep  counsel 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  63 

with  ourselves.     This   is   to  waste.     Nerves 
must  be  unclouded  to-day. 

(He  returns  to  his  seat,  the  others  with 
him.} 

Fairfax:  Finally,  if  we  on  the  right  have  to 
fall  back  on  Mill  Hill,  bring  your  horse  down 
on  to  the  Kilmarsh  Road,  Pemberton,  if  it  be 
any  way  possible* 

Pemberton:  Yes  —  there's  a  ford  there,  at 
the  fork  if  we  are  upstream. 

Ireton:  I'll  speak  to  Whalley,  too. 

Fairfax:  If  at  last  there  should  be  a  general 
retreat,  it  is  to  the  west  of  Naseby,  remember. 

Ireton:  Yes.  To  the  west.  That  there 
should  be  that  even  in  the  mind! 

Fairfax:  In  that  case,  the  baggage  is  my 


concern/ 


(Outside  is  heard  a  low  murmur  of  ex- 
citement.) 

Fairfax:  Staines,  will  you  tell  Conway  that 
five  hundred  of  his  best  men  must  dispute 
the  Naseby  road  to  the  east.  And  let  Mitchell 
command  under  him. 
Staines:  Yes,  sir/ 

( The  noise  outside  grows.) 


64  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Pemberton:  What  is  it? 
Fairfax:  See. 

(PEMBERTON  goes  to  the  tent  opening  and 

looks  out.) 

Pemberton:  Our  men  are  watching  some- 
thing. It  is  something  moving.  Horsemen  — 
it  must  be. 

(The  excitement  grows  and  grows.  IRETON 

joins  PEMBERTON.) 
Ireton:  There  is  something.' 
Fairfax:  Gentlemen,  let  us  promise  our- 
selves nothing. 

(IRETON  and  PEMBERTON  move  into  the 
tent  at  FAIRFAX'S  word.   As  they  do  so 
the  voices  outside  break  out  into  a  great 
shout  —  "  Ironsides  —  Ironsides  — 
Ironsides  is  coming  to  lead  us!  *'    The 
scout  comes  in,  glowing.) 
Fairfax  (rising) :  Yes  ? 
The  Scout:  General  Cromwell  is  riding  into 
the  field  with  his  Ironsides,  sir,  some  six  hun- 
dred strong. 

Fairfax:  Thank  God ! 

(CROMWELL   comes   into   the   tent,  fully 
armed,  hot  and  dusty  from  the  road.   The 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  65 

shouting  dies  azvay,  but  outside  there  is  a 
sound  as  of  new  life  until  the  end  of  the 
scene.  SETH,  OLIVER'S  servant,  stands 
at  the  tent  opening.} 

Fairfax:  You  are  welcome;  none  can  say 
how  much. 

Cromwell:  A  near  thing,  sir.  I  only  heard 
from  Westminster  yesterday  at  noon. 

Fairfax:  They  told  us  nothing. 

Cromwell:  There  are  many  poor  creatures 
at  Westminster,  sir.  Many  of  them,  I  doubt 
not,  would  have  willingly  had  me  kept  unin- 
formed of  this.  But  we  are  in  time,  and  that's 
all.  Henry.  Good-morning,  gentlemen.  How 
goes  it? 

Fairfax  (taking  his  seat,  CROMWELL  and  the 
others  also  at  the  table) :  The  battle  is  set.  Our 
foot  there,  Skippon  and  myself.  Colonel 
Ireton  and  Whalley  are  with  the  horse.  They 
are  at  your  service. 

Cromwell  (at  the  map} :  Rupert  will  be 
there.  Langdale,  if  I  mistake  not,  will  be 
there.  That  road  —  is  it  good  ? 

Pemberton:  Poor  below  Mill  Hill,  sir. 

Cromwell:  Then  that  is  the  point;  it  may 
be  decisive  there.  You  take  the  left,  Henry. 


66  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Ireton:  Yes,  sir. 

Cromwell:  Let  Whalley  be  on  my  left  here 
—  give  him  fifteen  hundred.  I  have  six  hun- 
dred. I'll  take  the  right  with  them  myself. 
Are  you  on  the  left,  sir? 

Fairfax:  Yes,  and  the  second  line. 

Cromwell:  Good  —  can  I  have  two  of  the 
best  regiments  down  here  behind  me? 

Fairfax:  Yes.  Staines,  let  Spilsby  see  to 
that. 

Cromwell:  Spilsby  is  good. 

Staines:  If  I  might  say  it,  would  you  choose 
him  for  that,  sir?  It  is  a  great  responsibility, 
and  he  has  been  indiscreet.  I  thought  not  to 
use  him  to-day. 

Cromwell:  Indiscreet? 

Staines:  In  his  utterances,  sir.  His  belief 
is  in  some  question. 

Cromwell:  Surely  you  are  not  well  advised 
to  turn  off  one  so  faithful  to  the  cause,  and  so 
able  to  serve  you  as  this  man  is.  He  is  indis- 
creet, you  say.  It  may  be  so  in  some  things; 
we  all  have  human  infirmities.  Sir,  the  state, 
in  choosing  men  to  serve  it,  takes  no  notice 
of  their  opinions.  If  men  be  willing  faith- 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  67 

fully   to   serve   it,   that   satisfies.    Let    it   be 
Spilsby. 

Staines:  Yes,  sir. 

Cromwell:  Is  the  army  well  rested,  sir? 

Fairfax:  They  are  resting  now.    Till  ten 
o'clock.    We  moved  up  at  three. 

Cromwell:  Three  hours  for  my  men.    It  is 
enough.  The  order  to  advance  at  eleven? 

Fairfax:  At  eleven. 

Cromwell:  Is  the  word  for  the  day  chosen? 

Fairfax:  Not  yet. 

Cromwell:  Let  it  be,  "  God  our  strength." 
Gentlemen. 

(They  all  rise,  and,  bareheaded,  together 
they  repeat,  "  God  our  strength.") 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 

SCENE  V 

The  same  tent.  Night  —  with  torches  and 
candles.  An  aide  stands  at  the  tent  open- 
ing. The  sentries  pass  to  and  fro.  It 
is  after  the  action.  IRETON,  severely 
wounded,  is  on  a  couch,  surgeons  attending 
him.  CROMWELL,  himself  battered  and 


68  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

with  a  slight  head  wound,  stands  by  the 
couch. 

Cromwell:  It  is  not  mortal.  You  are  sure  of 
that? 

The  Surgeon:  He  is  hurt,  grievously,  but  he 
will  live  now. 

Cromwell:  The  danger  is  gone? 

The  Surgeon:  Yes.    But  it  will  be  slow. 

Ireton:  Whalley  —  there  —  in  God's  name, 
man.  Tell  Spilsby  to  beat  down  under 
General  Cromwell.  There's  not  a  minute  to 
lose.  Whalley  —  that's  good  —  come  —  no 
man  —  left  —  left  —  now,  once  more.  God 
is  our  strength. 

Cromwell:  There,  my  son.  Brave,  brave. 
It  is  well. 

Ireton  (himself):  How  is  it  —  out  there? 

Cromwell:  They  are  scattered. 

Ireton:  Scattered.    Write  to  Bridget. 

Cromwell:  Yes  —  it  is  done. 

Ireton:  Read. 

Cromwell  (reading  a  letter  from  the  table) : 

My  dearest  daughter,  — 

This  in  all  haste.  We  have  fought  to-day 
at  Naseby.    The  field  at  all  points  is  ours. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  69 

They  are  destroyed  beyond  mending.  Henry 
is  hurt,  but  he  is  well  attended,  and  the  sur- 
geons have  no  fear.  He  shall  be  brought  to 
you  by  the  first  means.  He  has  great  honour 
to-day  for  himself  and  for  us  all. 

Ireton:  He  loves  you. 

(CROMWELL  adds  a  word  to  the  letter. 
Then  he  leaves  IRETON  to  the  surgeons 
and  speaks  to  SETH,  who  is  at  the  table.} 

Cromwell:  Seth,  will  you  write,  please.   (He 
dictates  very  quietly,  not  to  disturb  IRETON.) 

To  the  Speaker  of  the  Commons  of  Eng- 
land, at  Westminster. 

Sir,  —  This,  of  which  the  General  ad- 
vises you,  is  none  other  but  the  hand  of  God, 
and  to  Him  alone  belongs  the  glory,  wherein 
none  are  to  share  with  him.  The  General 
served  you  with  all  faithfulness  and  honour; 
and  the  best  commendation  I  can  give  him  is, 
that  I  dare  say  he  attributes  all  to  God,  and 
would  rather  perish  than  assume  to  himself. 
Which  is  an  honest  and  a  thriving  way;  and 
yet  as  much  for  bravery  may  be  given  to  him, 
in  this  action,  as  to  a  man.  Honest  men 
served  you  faithfully  in  this  action.  Sir,  they 


jo  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

are  trusty;  I  beseech  you,  in  the  name  of 
God,  not  to  discourage  them.  I  wish  this 
action  may  beget  thankfulness  and  humility 
in  all  that  are  concerned  in  it.  He  that 
ventures  his  life  for  the  liberty  of  his  country, 
I  wis  he  trust  God  for  the  liberty  of  his 
conscience,  and  you  for  the  liberty  he  fights 
for.  In  this  he  rests,  who  is  your  most 
humble  servant —  . 

From   the    camp     at    Naseby    field,    in 
Northamptonshire. 

(He  signs  the  letter.    Outside  in  the  night 

the  Puritan  troops  are  heard  singing  the 

One  Hundred  and  Seventeenth  Psalm: 

"O  praise  the  Lord,  all  ye  nations: 

praise    him,  all    ye    people.    For   his 

merciful  kindness  is  great  toward  us: 

and  the  truth  of  the  Lord  endureth 

for  ever.    Praise  ye  the  Lord."    They 

listen.    IRETON  sleeps.) 

Cromwell:   They  sing   well.    (He  looks  at 

a  map;  then,  to  the   aide:)    Go   to   General 

Peyton.  Tell  him  to  keep  three  troops  of 

horse  four  miles   down  the  Leicester  road 

there.  He  is  not  to  move  them  till  daybreak. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  71 

And  ask  Colonel  Reade  to  let   me  have  his 
figures  as  soon  as  he  can. 

The  Aide:  Yes,  sir.  (He  goes.} 

Cromwell:  Finish  that  other  letter,  will 
you?  (SETH  writes  again.}  I  can  say  this  of 
Naseby.  When  I  saw  the  enemy  draw  up  and 
march  in  gallant  order  towards  us,  and  we,  a 
company  of  poor  ignorant  men  to  seek  how  to 
order  our  battle,  —  the  General  having  com- 
manded me  to  order  all  the  horse,  —  I  could 
not,  riding  along  about  my  business,  but 
smile  out  to  God  in  my  praises,  in  assurance 
of  victory  (the  Psalm  is  heard  again},  be- 
cause God  would,  by  things  that  are  not, 
bring  to  naught  the  things  that  are.  Of  which 
I  had  great  assurance,  and  God  did  it. 

(The  singing  still  heard.} 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 

SCENE  VI 

An  evening  in  November,  1647.  A  room  in 
Hampton  Court,  where  CHARLES  THE 
FIRST,  now  a  prisoner  with  the  army,  is 
lodged. 


72  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

At  a  table,  writing,  is  NEAL,  the  King's  sec- 
retary. He  finishes  his  document,  and, 
going  to  a  bureau,  locks  it  away.  He  re- 
turns to  the  table,  and,  taking  up  an  un- 
opened envelope,  examines  it  carefully.  As 
he  is  doing  so  CHARLES  enters  from  an 
inner  room. 

Charles:  From  Hamilton? 
Neal:  Yes,  sire. 
Charles:  Has  it  been  opened? 
Neal:  I  think  not. 

(CHARLES  takes  the  letter,  opens  and  reads 

it.) 

Charles:  Good.  The  commissioners  from 
Scotland  are  in  London.  They  are  prepared 
to  hear  from  us. 

Neal:  Andrews  goes  to  London  to-night. 
He  is  to  be  trusted. 

Charles:  Everything  begins  to  move  for  us 

again.  To-morrow  they  will  miss  us  here,  eh, 

Neal  ?  In  a  week  we  should  be  at  Carisbrooke. 

Neal:  Do  not  be  too  confident,  sire.  Things 

have  miscarried  before. 

Charles:  But  not  this  time,  Neal,  believe 
me.  Their  House  and  their  army  are  at  odds. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  73 

I've  seen  to  that.  It  has  gained  time,  and 
perplexed  their  resolution.  And  now  Scotland 
will  strike  again,  and  this  time  mortally.  Yes, 
the  end  will  be  with  us,  mark  me. 

Need:  May  Your  Majesty  reckon  truly. 

Charles:  Is  Cromwell  coming  to-night? 

Need:  He  said  not. 

Charles:  Strangely,  the  fellow  grows  on  me. 
But  he's  a  fool,  Neal.  Brave,  but  a  fool.  He 
sees  nothing.  Indeed,  he's  too  dull.  Ireton 
too  —  they  are  heavy  stuff.  Clods.  Poor 
country.  She  needs  us  again  truly.  To  check 
such  mummers  as  these  —  all  means  are 
virtuous  for  that,  Neal,  eh  ? 

Neal:  Your  Majesty  knows. 

Charles:  Yes,  we  need  no  counsel.  You  are 
sure  that  Cromwell  was  not  coming  to-night. 

Neal:  That  was  as  he  said,  sire. 

Charles:  Then  let  us  consider.  These  Scots. 
What  was  it?  Did  you  set  it  down? 

Neal:  Yes,  sire. 

(He  gets  the  paper  that   he   put  in   the 
bureau,  and  gives  it  to  CHARLES.) 

Charles  (reading  it) :  Yes.   Write. 

(NEAL  does  so  on  a  large  folio  sheet.) 


74  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Clause  i.  For  the  reason  that  the  Scots 
should  invade  England.  Let  the  intrigues  of 
Parliament  with  the  army  and  its  leaders  — 
notably  Oliver  Cromwell  —  to  the  peril  of  the 
Church  and  the  King,  stand  to  the  world  in 
justification.  Clause  2.  The  royal  forces  in 
England  shall  move  when  and  as  the  Duke  of 
Hamilton  directs.  Clause  3.  The  King  shall 
guarantee  Presbyterian  control  in  England 
for  three  years  from  this  date.  But  the  King 
shall  for  himself  be  at  liberty  to  use  his  own 
form  of  divine  service.  Clause  4.  All  opinion 
and  practice  of  those  who  call  themselves 
Independents  are  to  be  suppressed.  To  see 
that  this  is  diligently  done  may  be  left  to 

the    King's   pleasure Yes  —  once  we  are 

at  Carisbrooke Copy  that,  Neal.    I  will 

sign  it.   Let  it  go  by  Andrews  to-night. 
Neal:  Yes,  sire. 
Charles:  Do  it  now. 

(NEAL  proceeds  to  do  so.  CHARLES  moves 
across  to  a  book-case  between  the  table 
and  the  main  door.  As  he  stands  there, 
there  is  a  knock  at  the  door.} 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  75 

(The  door  is  opened  by  CROMWELL,  with 

whom  is  IRETON.) 

Charles:  Mr.  Cromwell.  We  did  not  expect 
you. 

Cromwell:  No,  sir.    It  is  unexpected. 

(As  the  two  men  come  nnto  the  room, 
CHARLES  covers  NEAL  from  them  as  he 
can.  The  secretary  has  no  time  but  to 
conceal  his  note  by  placing  it  under  a 
case  of  folio  papers  on  the  table.  As  the 
others  approach  the  table,  he  bows  and 
retires.  CHARLES  sits,  and  motions  the 
others  to  do  the  same.  CROMWELL  takes 
NEAL'S  place.) 

Cromwell:  We  came,  sir,  to  reassure  our- 
selves. 

Charles:  As  to  what? 

Cromwell:  Your  Majesty  knows  that,  in 
treating  with  you  as  we  have  done  these 
months  past,  we  have  been  subject  to 
suspicions. 

Charles:  I  imagined  that  it  might  be  so. 
But  your  character  and  your  reputation,  Mr. 
Cromwell,  can  ignore  these. 

Cromwell:  It  is  suggested  that  we  become 


7 6  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

courtiers,  and  susceptible  as  courtiers  are. 
But  that  is  nothing.  Continually  we  are  told 
that  Your  Majesty  will  outwit  us. 

Charles:  But  that  is  too  fantastic.  Between 
men  so  open  one  with  another.  Our  scruples 
—  persuasion  —  yes,  these  may  take  time. 
We  may  not  always  easily  understand  each 
other  there.  But  that  there  should  be  any 
question  of  duplicity  between  us  —  it  is 
monstrous.  We  may  disagree,  stubbornly, 
Mr.  Cromwell,  but  we  know  each  the  other's 
thought. 

Cromwell:  I  believe  it.  You  know  nothing 
of  these  Scotch  agents  in  London? 

Charles:  Scotch? 

Ireton:  They  arrived  yesterday. , 

Charles:  Who  are  they? 

Cromwell:  You  do  not  know,  sir? 

Charles:  I?   Indeed,  no. 

Cromwell:  I  did  not  suppose  it.  But  al- 
ready I  am  beset  by  warnings.  I  dismiss 
them,  giving  my  word  in  this  for  your  in- 
tegrity, as  it  were. 

Charles:  Minds  are  strained  in  these  days. 
It  is  shameless  of  them  to  say  this. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  77 

Ireton:  It  means  so  much,  you  see,  sir. 
Intrigues  with  Scotland  --  there  are  none,  we 
are  assured,  but  if  there  were  it  would  almost 
inevitably  bring  civil  war  again.  The  mere 
shadow  of  that  in  men's  minds  is  enough, 
indeed,  to  overthrow  them.  No  man  can 
consider  the  possibility  of  that  without 
desolation. 

Charles:  No.  That  is  unquestionable. 

Cromwell:  And  so  I  was  minded  to  come, 
and  be  sure  by  word  of  mouth,  so  to  speak. 
Your  Majesty  knows  how  suspicions  creep  in 
absence,  even  of  those  whom  we  trust.  And  I 
have  shown,  sir,  that  I  trust  you. 

Charles:  We  are  not  insensitive. 

Ireton:  It  is  of  that  trust,  truly  worn,  sir, 
that  we  may  all  yet  look  for  a  happy 
settlement. 

Charles:  It  is  my  hope,  devoutly. 

Cromwell:  Parliament  bends  a  little  to  my 
persuasion.  If  I  could  but  induce  Your 
Majesty  to  treat  no  longer  directly  with 
them,  but  to  leave  all  to  me. 

Charles:  It  is  our  Parliament  still.  We  can- 
not slight  them. 


78  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  But,  sir,  you  confuse  things 
daily.  If  the  army  were  no  longer  intact,  it 
would  be  another  matter.  But  now  it  is  the 
army  that  must  be  satisfied  —  in  the  end 
there  is  the  real  authority.  Remember,  sir, 
that  these  men  are  not  merely  soldiers.  They 
are  the  heart  and  the  conscience  of  the  nation 
in  arms.  By  their  arms  thay  have  prevailed, 
how  bloodily  Your  Majesty  knows.  They 
stand  now  to  see  that  the  settlement  is  not 
against  that  conscience  that  armed  them. 

Charles:  But  we  must  consider  ourselves. 
It  would  be  folly  to  anger  the  House. 

Cromwell:  The  House  can  do  nothing  with- 
out us.  And  I  have  considered  you,  sir.  I 
have  persuaded  the  army  that  the  monarchy 
is  the  aptest  form  of  government  for  this 
country.  It  was  difficult,  but  my  belief  has 
prevailed.  I  have  even  won  respect  for  Your 
Majesty's  person.  Do  but  give  us  our  guaran- 
tees, and  you  will  mount  a  securer  throne, 
I  think,  than  any  king  has  yet  held  in  Eng- 
land. 

Charles:  But  Parliament  — 

Ireton:  No,  sir.   Parliament's  demands  are 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  79 

not  our  demands.  To  give  them  what  they 
ask  will  be  to  lose  all  opinion  in  the  army. 
That  would  be  fatal. 

Cromwell:  Parliament  and  the  army  are  at 
one  in  asking  for  constitutional  safeguards. 
All  are  agreed  on  that.  But  after  that  we 
are  in  dispute,  irreconcileably.  They  want  a 
Presbyterian  despotism.  This  land,  sir,  has 
had  enough  of  despotism,  and  we  will  not 
exchange  one  despotism  for  another.  We,  the 
army,  demand  liberty  of  opinion.  We  respect 
law,  we  stand,  above  all,  for  order  and  right 
behaviour,  for  an  observance  of  the  rights 
of  others.  But  we  demand  that  a  man's 
thought  shall  be  his  own,  that  his  faith  shall 
be  directed  by  none.  We  stand  for  Bible 
freedom.  And  we,  sir,  are  strong  enough  to 
make  Parliament  accept  that,  but  Parliament 
can  never  make  us  accept  the  tyranny  of  the 
Presbyters.  We  are  the  new  Independents, 
sir,  the  Independents  of  the  spirit.  We  are 
determined  that  henceforth  in  England  no 
man  shall  suffer  for  his  faith. 

Charles:  I  respect  these  ambitions. 

Ireton:  Do  but  let  us  go  to  the  army  with 


8o  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

that  respect,  and  not  a  trooper  but  will  renew 
your  power  for  you. 

Charles:  A  power  a  little  cropped,  eh,  Mr. 
Ireton  ? 

Cromwell:  No,  sir,  enlarged.  You  have 
ruled  by  interest  and  fear.  You  can  go  back 
to  rule  by  the  affection  of  a  free  people.  You 
have  the  qualities,  sir  —  why  waste  them? 

Charles:  You  persuade  well.  Honestly,  I 
am  sure. 

Cromwell:  I  could  take  all.  I  do  not  want 
it.  I  want  to  restore  your  fortune,  to  give  you 
back  a  regenerate  kingship.  Will  you  take  it, 
sir?  It  is  of  love  I  offer  it,  love  of  England,  of 
your  great  office.  And  you  should  adorn  that 
inheritance.  Men  should  be  proud  to  call  you 
King,  sir. 

Ire-ton:  We  have  that  pride  —  and  we  have 
suffered. 

Cromwell:  I  can  disabuse  rumour  about 
Scotland,  I  can  persuade  Parliament  about 
the  Presbytery,  I  can  convince  the  army 
of  your  good  faith  as  to  tolerance,  if  you  will 
but  give  me  the  word.  Let  us  together  make 
Charles  Rex  the  noblest  name  of  Christendom. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  81 

Charles:  How  shall  '  I  stand  with  the 
Episcopacy? 

Cromwell:  All  tyrannies  must  go  together. 
We  mislike  no  bishops  save  that  they  stand 
by  a  tyrannous  church.  That  we  will  destroy. 
It  is  there  as  I  have  said.  We  attack  not 
faiths  or  opinions,  but  despotism.  Let  a  man 
think  as  he  will,  but  he  shall  command  no 
other  man  to  think  it. 

Ireton:  We  will  not  persecute  even  our 
persecutors.  But  they  shall  stay  their  hands, 
now  and  for  ever. 

Cromwell:  This  is  just;  merciful  even.  Will 
you  work  with  us  together,  sir,  to  the  salva- 
tion of  our  country? 

Charles:  You  are  very  patient. 

Cromwell:  To  great  ends.  Why  do  you 
deliberate,  sir?  What  invention  is  needed? 
All  is  so  plain.  And  many  wish  you  disaster. 
If  you  refuse  this,  it  may  be  hard  to  deny 
them. 

Charles:  We  do  not  fear  disaster. 

Cromwell:  But  I  offer  you  an  ascendancy 
undreamt  of.  It  should  be  plain. 

Charles:  You   offer   much,   and    it   should 


82  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

prosper.  Or  I  think  so.  But  I  must  consider. 
One  has  old  habits,  not  easily  to  be  put  by. 
One  grows  to  kingship  thus,  or  thus  —  the 
manner  does  not  readily  change.  But  I  will 
consider  it. 

Cromwell:  Time  presses. 

Charles:  Yes,  but  a  day  or  two.  Say  three 
days. 

Cromwell:  Three  days,  then,  sir.  I  brought 
Your  Majesty  this.  (He  takes  a  miniature 
from  his  pouch.)  It  is  newly  drawn  by  Mr. 
Cooper.  It  is  of  a  young  man,  Andrew 
Marvell,  of  whose  verses  Your  Majesty 
would  think  well.  He  should  do  much. 
Cooper  has  drawn  it  well  —  it's  very  decisive 
in  line,  sir? 

Charles:  Yes.  A  little  heavy  there  in  the 
nostril,  perhaps,  but  good.  Yes,  very. 

Cromwell:  I  am  told  that  Van  Dyck  ad- 
mires him. 

Charles:  I  have  heard  him  say  so. 

Cromwell:  It's  generous  of  him  —  the 
methods  are  so  different. 

Charles:  Van  Dyck  draws  marvellously  in 
sanguine.  (He  takes  a  drawing  from  the  drawer 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  83 

in  front  of  him  and  places  it  before  Cromwell, 
on  the  case  of  papers.}  That  approaches  any  of 
the  masters,  I  think. 

Cromwell:  Good  —  yes.  And  yet  Hans  Hol- 
bein was  incomparable  —  not  so  assertive  — • 
no,  copious,  and  yet  as  complete,  simpler. 
But  —  yes,  there  is  great  dignity  here. 

(He  holds  up  the  drawing  in  front  of  him, 
holding  it  against  the  folio  case  for  firm- 
ness.   CHARLES  makes  a  movement,  but 
instantly  restrains  himself.   CROMWELL 
is  about  to  replace  the  drawing  and  case 
on  the  table,  when  his  glance  falls  on 
NEAL'S  paper,  which  is  lying  in  front 
of  him.    He  sees  nothing,  but  a  second 
glance  arrests  all  his  movement.    After 
a  moment  he  turns  to  look  fixedly  at  the 
King.    There  is  a  silence;  then:} 
Cromwell:  What  in  the  name  of  God  is  this  ? 
(Striking  the  paper  with  his  hand.} 
Charles:  It  is  private  to  ourselves. 
Cromwell  (rising} :  To  ourselves  ?    For  our 
private  pleasure  we  will  destroy  this  country, 
and  blast  the  people  in  it!   Read  it,  Ireton. 
(IRETON  takes  the  paper  and  rises.} 


84  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Charles  (rising) :  These  are  notes  for  our 
own  contemplation. 

Cromwell:  Here  are  ten  lines  of  the  bitterest 
damnation  that  ever  came  from  the  mind  of 
treason.  (Taking  the  paper  again.)  The  Scots 
to  invade  England.  The  King's  arms  to  be 
raised  again.  Presbytery  to ...  Freedom  to 
be  destroyed  —  and  diligently,  at  the  King's 
pleasure.  Word  blaspheming  word  as  we 
have  spoken.  Disastrous  man! 

Ireton:  How  far  has  this  gone? 

Charles:  We  are  not  before  our  judges. 

Cromwell:  It  will  come.  This  iniquity 
means  we  know  not  what  new  bitterness  of 
destruction.  But  know  this,  Charles  Stuart, 
that,  when  we  draw  the  sword  again,  it  is  the 
sword  of  judgment.  Out  there  many  call  you 
the  man  of  blood.  I  have  laboured  for  you, 
have  met  them  all  in  persuasion.  I  had  pre- 
vailed. It  is  finished.  Blood  is  upon  us  again, 
blood  spilled  for  a  perfidious  king.  The 
sword  that  we  had  put  by  for  ever!  My  God, 
how  I  have  feared  it!  Well,  so  be  it.  We 
go  to  the  field  again  —  but  then,  prepare 
you  for  the  reckoning.  It  shall  be  to  the 
uttermost. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  85 

Charles:  This  argument  is  ended. 
Cromwell:  All  arguments  are  ended. 

(He  goes  with  IRETON,  taking  the  paper.) 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 

SCENE  VII 

CROMWELL'S  house  in  London.  The  morning 
of  January  30,  1649,  the  day  of  the  King's 
execution. 

Outside  the  window  can  be  seen  the  'grey  winter 
gloom,  brightened  by  fallen  snow.  The 
room,  in  which  a  fire  is  burning,  is  empty, 
land  for  a  time  there  is  silence.  Then  from 
a  near  street  comes  the  soft  sound  of  muffled 
drums. 

BRIDGET  runs  in,  and  goes  to  the  window,  open- 
ing it.   Then  she  goes  back  to  the  door,  and 
calls. 
Bridget:  Mother. 

(She  goes  back  to  the  window.) 
Elizabeth  (coming  in) :  Yes. 
Bridget:  It  is  the  King.  He  is  passing  down 
to  Whitehall. 

Elizabeth:  Don't  look,  child. 


86  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Bridget:  I  can  see  nothing  but  the  pike- 
heads.  The  people  seem  very  still.  You  can 
hear  nothing  but  the  drums. 

(A  little  later  MRS.  CROMWELL  comes  in. 
She  goes  to  a  chair  by  the  fire.) 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Oliver  has  just  sent  from 
Whitehall  for  his  great  coat.  I've  sent  Beth 
with  it. 

Bridget:  The  King  has  just  passed,  grand- 
mother. 

Elizabeth:  He  has  gone  into  Whitehall. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Men  will  pity  him.  He  had 
no  pity. 

Bridget:  Do  you  think  father  is  right, 
grandmother?  Saying  that  it  had  to  be? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  I  do  think  so. 

Elizabeth:  He  betrayed  his  own  people.  It 
was  that. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  There  could  be  no  safety 
or  hope  while  he  lived. 

Bridget:  Yes.  He  betrayed  his  own  people. 
That's  it. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Kings  must  love,  too. 

Elizabeth:  When  your  father  wanted  to 
give  him  back  his  throne,  a  little  simple 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  87 

honesty  in  the  King  would  have  saved  all. 
But  he  could  not  come  to  that. 

Bridget:  The  drums  have  stopped. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Is  Henry  with  your  father? 

Bridget:  Yes. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  What  is  the  time? 

Elizabeth:  Nearly  one  o'clock. 

Bridget:  It  must  be  past  one. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Oliver  will  be  the  foremost 
man  in  England. 

Bridget:  Henry  says  he  could  be  king. 

Elizabeth:  That  he  would  never  be.  I  know. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  He  will  have  to  guide  all. 

Bridget:  Don't  you  wish  it  could  have  been 
done  without  this,  grandmother? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  When  the  world  labours  in 
anger,  child,  you  cannot  name  the  hour. 

Bridget:  But  Henry  thinks  it  is  right,  too. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  If  this  be  wrong,  all  was 
wrong. 

Bridget:  Yes.  Thank  you,  grandmother. 
That  is  what  I  wanted.  It  was  necessary. 

Elizabeth:  Henry  meant  to  come  back 
before  the  end,  didn't  he? 

Bridget:  He  said  so. 


88  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  It's  very  cold. 

Bridget:  I  think  it  will  snow  again. 

Elizabeth:  What   are   the   drums    beating 
again  for? 

Bridget:  Perhaps  —  I    don't    know.     Will 
you  have  another  shawl,  grandmother? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  No,  thank  you. 
(IRETON  comes  in.) 

Bridget:  Has  anything  happened? 

Ireton:  Not  yet.    In  a  minute  or  two.  At 
half-past  one.   It's  three  minutes  yet. 

Bridget:  Is  father  there? 

Ireton:  Yes. 

Elizabeth:  Not  alone? 

Ireton:  No.    Fairfax  and  Harrison  —  five 
of  them. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  The  King  —  very  brave,  I 
suppose? 

Ireton:  Yes.   That  was  inevitable.   We  are 
old  campaigners. 

Elizabeth:  Oliver   says   that  he  has   been 
noble  since  death  was  certain. 

Ireton:  Yes. 

Bridget:  If  he  had  but  lived  so. 

Ireton:  f  He  made  life  ignoble.   He  would 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  89 

have  made  it  ignoble  again,  and  always.  He 
was  a  king  and  he  despoiled  his  people.  When 
that  is,  kings  must  perish. 

(There  is  a  movement  and  sound  of  voices 
in  the  streets.  IRETON  opens  the  window. 
ELIZABETH  and  BRIDGET  stand  with 
him.} 
Ireton:  Yes.    It  is  done. 

(MRS.  CROMWELL  slowly  moves  across  to 
the  window  and  stands  with  the  others.} 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Poor,  silly  king.  Oliver  will 
be  here  directly.   Shut  the  window,  Henry. 
(IRETON  shuts  the  window.    He,  ELIZA- 
BETH, and  BRIDGET  stand  looking  out. 
MRS.  CROMWELL  returns  to  her  seat. 
All  are  very  still,  and  there  is  a  long 
pause.      Then,    unseen    and    unheard, 
CROMWELL  comes  in,  moving  slowly, 
his  coat  and  hat  still  on,  his  boots  carry- 
ing snow.    He  looks  at  his  people,  all 
with   their   backs   to   him.     He   walks 
across  the  room,  and  stands  behind  his 
mother,  looking  into  the  fire.) 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 


90  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

SCENE  VIII 

A  November  night  in  1654,  six  years  later. 
MRS.  CROMWELL'S  bedroom  in  Whitehall, 
where  CROMWELL  is  now  installed  as 
Protector. 

MRS.  CROMWELL,  now  aged  ninety,  is  on  her 
death-bed.    Standing  beside  her  is  ELIZ- 
ABETH, ministering  to  her. 
Elizabeth:  Is  that  comfortable? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  my  dear,  very  com- 
fortable. 

Elizabeth:  Bridget  is  coming  now.  I  must 
go  down  to  Cheapside.  I  must  see  that  man 
there  myself. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Very  well,  my  dear.  Bridget 
is  a  good  girl.  I  may  be  asleep  before  you 
come  back.  Good-night. 

Elizabeth  (kissing  her) :  Good-night.  (Softly, 
at  the  door.)  Bridget. 

Bridget  (from  the  next  room) :  Yes,  mother. 
Elizabeth:  Can  you  come?   I'm  going  now. 
Bridget:  Yes. 

(She  comes  in  and  ELIZABETH  goes.) 
Bridget:  Shall  I  read,  grandmother? 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  91 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes,  just  a  little.  Mr. 
Milton  was  reading  to  me  this  afternoon. 
Your  father  asked  him  to  come.  He  has  be- 
gun a  very  good  poem,  about  Eden  and  the 
fall  of  man.  He  read  me  some  of  it.  He  writes 
extremely  well.  I  think  I  should  like  to  hear 
something  by  that  young  Mr.  Marvell.  He 
copies  them  out  for  me  —  you'll  find  them 
in  that  book,  there.  There's  one  about  a 
garden.  Just  two  stanzas  of  it.  I  have 
marked  them. 
Bridget  (reading} : 

How  vainly  men  themselves  amaze 
To  win  the  palm,  the  oak,  or  bays, 
And  their  incessant  labours  see 
Crown'd  from  some  single  herb  or  tree, 
Whose  short  and  narrow-verged  shade 
Does  prudently  their  toils  upbraid; 
While  all  the  flowers  and  trees  do  close 
To  weave  the  garlands  of  repose. 
And  then  this  one? 

Meanwhile  the  mind  from  pleasure  less 
Withdraws  into  its  happiness; 
The  mind,  that  ocean  where  each  kind 
Does  straight  its  own  resemblance  find; 


92  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Yet  it  creates,  transcending  these, 
Far  other  worlds,  and  other  seas; 
Annihilating  all  that's  made 
To  a  green  thought  in  a  green  shade. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  Yes.  Far  other  worlds,  and 
other  seas.   I  wish  your  father  would  come.   I 
want  to  go  to  sleep,  and  you  never  know. 
Bridget:  I  think  father  is  coming  now. 
(CROMWELL  comes  in.    He  wears  plain 

civilian  clothes.) 
Cromwell:  Well,  mother  dear. 

(He  kisses  her.) 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Fm  glad  you  have  come, 
my  son.  Though  you  are  very  busy,  I'm 
sure. 

Cromwell:  Is  there  anything  I  can  do? 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  No,  thank  you.  What  date 
is  this? 

Cromwell:  The  second  of  November. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  It's  nearly  a  year  since 
they  made  you  Protector,  then. 
Cromwell:  Yes.    I  wonder. 
Mrs.  Cromwell:  You  need  not,  son.    You 
were  right.   There  was  none  other.   And  you 
were  right  not  to  take  a  crown. 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  93 

Cromwell:  The  monarchy  will  return.  I 
know  that. 

Bridget:  Why  not  always  a  commonwealth 
like  this,  father? 

Cromwell:  Hereafter  there  shall  be  a  true 
commonwealth.  We  have  done  that  for  Eng- 
land. But  there  must  be  a  king.  There  is  no 
one  to  follow  me.  I  am  an  interlude,  as  it 
were.  But  henceforth  kings  will  be  for  the 
defence  of  this  realm,  not  to  use  it.  That  has 
been  our  work.  It  is  so,  mother? 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Truly,  I  think  it.  It  will 
be  a  freer  land  because  you  have  lived  in  it, 
my  son.  Our  name  may  be  forgotten,  but 
it  does  not  matter.  You  serve  faithfully.  I 
am  proud. 

Cromwell:  You  have  been  my  blessed 
friend. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  It  was  kind  of  Mr.  Milton 
to  come  this  afternoon.  I  can't  remember 
whether  I  thanked  him  as  I  should  like  to. 

Cromwell:  He  likes  to  come. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Be  kind  to  all  poets, 
Oliver,  They  have  been  very  kind  to  me. 
They  have  the  best  doctrine. 


94  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Cromwell:  That  is  an  aim  of  mine — to  find 
all  men  of  worth  and  learning  and  genius  —  to 
give  them  due  employment.  The  Lord  speaks 
through  them,  I  know.  I  would  have  none 
fail  or  want  under  my  government. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  I  know  that.  Bridget,  girl, 
be  a  stay  to  your  father  and  your  mother. 
They  love  you.  If  you  should  wed  again,  may 
you  wed  well. 

Bridget:  I  will  cherish  my  father's  great 
estate,  and  I  will  be  humble  always. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  And  now,  I  am  tired.  Bless 
you,  Oliver,  my  son.  The  Lord  cause  His  face 
to  shine  upon  you,  and  comfort  you  in  all 
your  adversities,  and  enable  you  to  do  great 
things  for  the  glory  of  your  most  high  God, 
and  to  be  a  relief  unto  His  people.  My  dear 
son.  I  leave  my  heart  with  you.  A  good 
night.  (They  both  kiss  her.) 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Is  Amos  Tanner  here? 

Bridget:  Yes,  grandmother. 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  Ask  him  to  sing  to  me. 
Very  quietly.  The  song  he  sang  that  night 
at  Ely  —  you  remember  —  when  John  and 
Henry  were  there.  (BRIDGET  goes  out.) 


OLIVER  CROMWELL  95 

Mrs.  Cromwell:  You  have  been  a  good  son. 
Cromwell:  Mother,  dear. 

(BRIDGET     returns    with    AMOS.     Very 

quietly  he  sings:) 
When  I  shall  in  the  churchyard  lie, 

Poor  scholar  though  I  be, 
The  wheat,  the  barley,  and  the  rye 
Will  better  wear  for  me. 

For  truly  have  I  ploughed  and  sown, 

And  kept  my  acres  clean; 
And  written  on  my  churchyard  stone 

This  character  be  seen; 

"  His  flocks,  his  barns,  his  gear  he  made 

His  daily  diligence, 
Nor  counted  all  his  earnings  paid 

In  pockets  full  of  pence." 

(While  he  is  singing  MRS.  CROMWELL 
falls  asleep  and  he  goes.  CROMWELL 
stands  for  a  time  with  BRIDGET,  watch- 
ing his  mother  asleep.} 

Cromwell:  Daughter,  we  must  be  loving, 
one  with  another.  No  man  is  sure  of  himself, 
ever.  He  can  but  pray  for  faith. 


96  OLIVER  CROMWELL 

Bridget:  Father,  you  have  done  all  that  a 
man  might  do.   You  have  delivered  England. 

Cromwell:  I  have  said  a  word  for  freedom,  a 
poor,  confused  word.  It  was  all  I  could  reach  to. 
We  are  frail,  with  our  passions.  We  are  beset. 
(He  prays  at  his  mother's  bedside,  BRID- 
GET standing  beside  him.} 
Thou  .hast  made  me,  though  very  unworthy, 
a  mean  instrument  to  do  the  people  some 
good,  and  Thee  service.  And  many  of  them 
have  set  too  high  a  value  upon  me,  though 
others  wish  and  would  be  glad  of  my  death. 
But,  Lord,  however  Thou  dost  dispose  of  me, 
continue  and  go  on  to  do  good  for  them.  Give 
them  one  heart,  and  mutual  love.  Teach 
those  who  look  too  much  upon  Thy  instru- 
ment to  depend  more  upon  Thyself.  Pardon 
such  as  desire  to  trample  upon  the  dust  of  a 
poor  worm,  for  they  are  Thy  people,  too. 
And  pardon  the  folly  of  this  short  prayer, 
even  for  Jesus  Christ's  sake.  And  give  us  a 
good  night  if  it  be  Thy  pleasure. 

THE  SCENE  CLOSES 
THE    END 


trtit  »ibt  refot  JlrrBB 

CAMBRIDGE  •  MASSACHUSETTS 
U   .    S  .    A 


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